Crafting Ethnography

Overview

New digital and algorithmic research tools have introduced new opportunities for access and insights, but increasingly, they tend to short circuit the researchers’ and stakeholders’ engagement with research participants, presence in tangible field sites, and immersion with data and insights. Scarce budgets and an overall interest in automation, efficiency and speed in organizations are directing researchers to streamline their research and design approaches. What is the impact of this to the craft of ethnography?

This Salon takes inspiration from the ethnography of craft to discuss the craft-like nature of ethnographic practice itself. We generate a conversion between craft and ethnography to highlight how embodied and enactive intelligence is constitutive to both.

We ask: what is – and what should be – the evolving nature of craft amidst our changing practical conditions for ethnographic work? Is there a risk that ethnography has less and less tangible engagement with physical and material lived worlds? What happens when the material is represented/mediated increasingly through the digital?

References for Participants

Atkinson, Paul. 2013. Ethnography and Craft Knowledge. Qualitative Sociology Review 9(2):56–63. Download here.

About the Hosts

Pertti Pitsinki, Strategic Designer & Crafter, Noren

Pertti Pitsinki is a strategic designer, avid crafter, and co-founder of both Noren, an applied human sciences consultancy, and Bear Co., a business design collective. A pioneer in applying participatory and co-creation methods for business development in Finland, he brings 20 years of experience developing businesses and services for Finnish and international clients. Pertti develops participatory methodologies focused on effectively involving customers, organizations, and other stakeholders, applying critical thinking to solve complex business problems and implement new strategies. With a background in service and product design, he is an experienced facilitator, visual thinker, and designer who emphasizes a hands-on, ‘learning by doing’ approach to teaching and facilitation. In his spare time—and sometimes within a business context—Pertti designs and builds physical products, ranging from hand-bound leather notebooks to guitars and motorcycles.

Michael Powell, Cultural Anthropologist and Design Strategist, Practica Group LLC

Michael Powell, PhD, is Partner at Practica Group, a strategic insights consultancy. He has worked with clients and research teams in diverse sectors and industries, from mobility technology, health care, and consumer retail, to architecture, civic participation, and food justice. Previously he was a Strategist at the multidisciplinary design firm Shook Kelley, as well as an independent consultant and start-up co-founder. Michael has taught Cultural Analysis and Economic Anthropology at Rice University and conducted research across the USA and in Poland. Throughout his career, Michael has used ethnographic methods to generate cultural insights and uncover the practices of everyday life.

What Is a Salon?

In Salons, we gather in smaller groups to build collective intelligence about pressing or emerging topics. Hosts set the stage with key points and provocations, then participants drive the discussion, sharing diverse expertise and experiences. We come away with deeper understanding, new strategies and tactics for our work, and a wonderful network of thought partners.