Gail Ramster

Designing ethnographic encounters for enriched HCI

This paper present three case studies of design research in HCI that has utilized an ethnographic approach to understand user needs. All of the projects were undertaken at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD), based at the Royal College of Art. The HHCD specialises in an inclusive design philosophy, which seeks to directly involve users in the design process. Two of the projects were undertaken as Research Council United Kingdom (RCUK) funded initiatives, and one was commissioned by a major technology company. They highlight how a design ethnography approach can be both rigorous for academic design research within HCI, and dynamic for the needs of the commercial sector.

Pee-democracy: Opening Data to the Great British Public Toilet Map

This paper and the accompanying poster will present a case study of the development of The Great British Public Toilet Map http://greatbritishpublictoiletmap.rca.ac.uk/ through the use of UK open data. The map acts as an information resource but also as an access point for members of the public to campaign for open data to be released concerning publicly available toilet provision in their local area. In addition, the map also provides members of the public, who may be unfamiliar with the concept of open data and the possibilities for greater e-democracy it may hold, an entry point for engagement through the seemingly mundane, yet essential issue of public toilet provision.