Update

In case you missed the announcement on Instagram, a few months ago we moved back into the house, and I gave birth to our second child within 48 hours. To describe the last few months as chaos would be an understatement! We moved into a partially completed home, because I couldn't handle the idea of moving with a newborn. As I recovered the kitchen was also brought into being, and many of the final touches were added. The house is functioning but there are still some details to be worked out and completed. In addition, the multi-generational aspect of the house was put to test immediately as an illness brought grandparents to live with us. It's a blessing to be able to support each other, but the researcher in me is also carefully watching to see how they interact with the house, and if there are areas for improvement.

washing a baby in a sink

Thoughts on Research;

10 years ago, before the accident that caused my disability, I could not have imagined the changes I would have to navigate. 5 years ago, I could never have understood fully the challenges of being a parent to 2 young children. While it is difficult to fully comprehend someone else's journey either, understanding their experience from their own point of view becomes an invaluable resource in both client experience design, and interior design.

This is where carefully documented qualitative research becomes gold, because without a source of wide personal experiences, creating insights is not possible. The data gathering needs to start with an open mind, questioning your own data collection biases and acknowledgement of potential issues. 

We are, after all, human.

Navigating this messy mass of data is a surfing experience that requires falling into the deep end a few times, but if you can build up enough good quality information, the resulting wave of clean insights will deliver a great experience for your end users 

Given my current situation of adapting to a new lifestyle, the blog was put on hold while I took care of family, young and old. I hope to get back to a more regular posting schedule soon!

line drawing of family members.