Context Mapping Method

“Context mapping” is a process where we try to understand the environment in which the behavior under study takes place. We collect relevant artifacts and map out the spaces where "what's going on" happens. This could involve drawing maps of a space, picking up and identifying objects, or logging sms messages related to the topic at hand. In contrast with traditional ethnography, context mapping actively involves the people being investigated by giving them tools to express themselves.

Indeed, contextmapping is a procedure which includes several research techniques. To access the deeper levels of knowledge, it uses methods such as generative techniques and cultural probes. With these techniques people are invited, encouraged and stimulated to document parts of their own lives, and thus parts of their experiences. Thus, the main assumption is that people are not aware of all these aspects which influence their experience, and need to reflect on their own experiences to become aware of their experiences. Thus, they generate information about their own experiences.

This method is often used in several design schools and research labs in Europe.

http://www.maketools.com/pdfs/GenerativeTools_Stappers_Sanders_03.pdf
http://studiolab.io.tudelft.nl/contextmapping/background/