Creative exploration kits for embodying long-term fatigue: Developing a novel qualitative method through academic–artist collaboration and feminist praxis

This paper introduces Embodying Fatigue , an ongoing interdisciplinary project responding to the challenges of articulating and understanding the embodied realities of long-term or recurrent fatigue (LTF) experienced as part of a chronic health condition. Developed through collaboration between an academic (Lucy) and artist (Ellie), both of whom have LTF themselves, the project seeks to explore LTF beyond clinical and discursive framings, using creative methods to surface its emotional, relational, and material dimensions. Central to this work is the development of a novel method of embodied data generation: fatigue exploration kits. These kits, grounded in artistic, tactile practice, are designed to facilitate affective engagement, dialogue and create a sense of community with other individuals with fatigue. This paper outlines the background and aims of this ongoing project, details the conceptual and practical development of the kits, and introduces insights from a series of meetings and workshops with public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors. Finally, we reflect on future possibilities for expanding and refining the kits as tools for research, care, and creative action.