More About Bodystorming in User Research
A typical design method cycle involves preliminary research, solution design, testing, tweaking, and retesting until final specifications are achieved. Traditionally, designers or researchers develop solutions within their own environments, but bodystorming shifts this by placing the researcher directly in the physical environment where the solution will be used. Bodystorming fostering deep empathy by allowing researchers to experience the user’s real-world context firsthand.
During bodystorming sessions, designers observe users, actively participate, and see challenges from the user’s perspective. This immersive approach helps researchers better understand users’ needs and behaviours in relation to their environment. Researchers generate ideas by acting out scenarios, rapidly sharing insights, and refining concepts collaboratively. Thus, bodystorming is not only a method for ideation but also a powerful tool for quickly communicating and iterating on ideas based on immediate feedback.
To perform effective bodystorming, researchers typically set up workstations within the user’s environment to observe and engage closely with the context. Multiple sessions may be conducted over days or months, exploring different scenarios and incorporating new learnings either between or within sessions. Props and accessories used in bodystorming come from the users’ actual environment to preserve authenticity.
Because bodystorming involves close interaction and complexity increases with participant numbers, sessions generally include no more than 10 respondents. Importantly, this method integrates users as active members of the design team, they critique ideas, influence decisions, and help shape outcomes that impact their lives and work.
Advantages of Bodystorming in User Research
1. Empathy
Bodystorming allows researchers to study user behaviour in their natural environment, fostering deep empathy among participants and researchers by connecting them closely to the user’s real-world context.
2. Reflection
Like role play and role storming, bodystorming encourages reflection among participants, helping uncover deeper insights by seeing situations from multiple perspectives.
3. Stronger Researcher-User Connection
In bodystorming, users become active members of the design team, influencing decisions that directly impact them. This collaboration builds trust and fosters authentic, valuable feedback between designers and users.
4. Firsthand User Experience
By relocating to the user’s environment, researchers not only observe but also physically experience user behaviors, triggers, challenges, and resolutions, gaining rich and nuanced insights.
5. Heightened Environmental Awareness
Bodystorming enhances awareness of the user’s everyday environment and the subtle intricacies that affect their experiences and interactions.
Challenges of Bodystorming in User Research
1. Potential User Discomfort
Some users may feel uneasy knowing researchers are observing or relocating to their environment. Likewise, users participating directly in bodystorming sessions might hesitate to admit certain challenges openly.
2. Sensitivity in Certain Contexts
In sensitive environments such as children’s hospitals or mental health clinics, bodystorming must be conducted with great care. When relocating to the exact user environment isn’t possible, researchers may use a similar environment to approximate user behaviors and triggers.
3. Time-Consuming Nature
Although bodystorming can rapidly generate creative feedback, the overall observational component requires significant time to understand user behaviour and context thoroughly.
4. Need for Skilled Researchers
Effective bodystorming demands experienced and well-trained researchers who can navigate ethical issues, manage sensitive situations, and address the challenges unique to this immersive user research method.