Applying interpretive knowledge based on anthropological methods to engineering design

Combing engineering and ethnography allows designers to gain insight into user preferences and non-mechanistic concerns of populations that differ from the designer. These non-mechanistic issues can be guided by research rooted in interpretive methods connected with anthropology. Studying people's behavior and attitudes requires research instruments rooted in the social sciences, specifically, observation, interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. These ethnographic methods improve engagement of differing and distinctive populations. Analysis of this qualitative data nurtures more appropriate design solutions for a researched population. This paper presents an overview of some ethnographic techniques most suitable for engineering design and shares examples of product designs moderated by ethnography. Thematic analysis as it applies to affinity congregation will also be presented. This process aids design work done by different subject matter experts. It also allows individual students or other participants to have a voice in evaluating design problems. Affinity congregating focuses on individual problem solving prior to group activity. This approach reduces adverse effects of group dynamics from overwhelming the individual during the ideation process and theme or affinity identifications. Example of student and professional work are also presented with a focus on surprising insights learned from ethnographic study. The work represents a consumer product, medical device, transportation, animal training, and broad approaches to providing palliation for those at the end of life in resource-poor areas. Specifically, the examples presented are a popcorn popping system, orthopedic surgical device, dog scent trainer, fishing boat design, and palliative care package.