Universal Methods of Design

RESEARCH METHOD

24 Cultural Probes

Cultural probes are provocative instruments given to participants to inspire new forms of self-understanding and communication about their lives, environments, thoughts, and interactions.¹

Cultural probes consist of any number of materials designed to inspire people to thoughtfully consider personal context and circumstance, and respond to the design team in unique, creative ways facilitated by the provocations. Cultural probe studies have used postcards, maps, journals, cameras, recording devices, and various pieces of text and imagery to guide personal responses. Cultural probes use several such artifacts, ...