The Art and Craft of Capturing Children’s Experiences in IDC course focuses on evaluation studies with children and presents three graduated studies along with all their planning, tools and observations whilst also challenging attendees to go beyond each by applying a growth mindset to query what can be done better – in this way the craft of working with children is mapped out as a continuum in which skills develop in innovation, the use of tools and in the products of research. At the same time, a set of provocations / top tips are given as art forms built from curated conversations with IDC influencers that both convey a simple message but also a deeper meaning – as is the nature of art.  The course is therefore suitable for all levels, and for researchers and practitioners. It is a new course specifically designed for the IDC community but builds on similar courses that have been held at CHI.

Call for Participation

While providing three ready to use rubrics for commonly seen evaluations of experience in IDC, this course challenges all participants to go beyond and do better in their work by exploring how we can grow our knowledge to become skilled craftsmen and craftswomen while also developing creative approaches and innovative practices to contribute to the ‘art gallery’ of IDC research.  On completing the course participants will:

• Know how to effectively capture children’s experiences using self report, observations, logging methods and surveys
• Be inspired to look for ways to ‘do better’ in their evaluations with children
• Be equipped with new ways to think about working with children in IDC  

The three evaluations cover the use of self report, survey design, logging data, observations, measures of empowerment, longitudinal studies, work in public places, lab or school based evaluations, young children, teens and mixed groups. Hear how each of these studies was planned for, see what happened on the day as we recount how each was carried out in the real world and listen to conversations about how each could have been made better.  Reflect on where your own skills in doing studies with children can be developed and listen to IDC influencers to open your mind.   Open to beginners and experienced alike – we guarantee everyone will come out of this course having learned many new things.

Note that if you are registering for this course you will also need to register for the conference.