How probes work

• DOI: 10.1145/1324892.1324899
• Publication Date: 2008-01-03T18:13:30Z
• Authors: Connor Graham; Mark Rouncefield; Martin Gibbs; Frank Vetere; Keith Cheverst
• Keywords: 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology; 300

'Cultural probes', since first being proposed and described by Bill Gaver his colleagues, have been adapted appropriated for a range of purposes within variety technology projects. In this paper we critically review different uses Probes discuss common aspects Probe variants. We also present critique some the debate around through describing detail their use in two studies: The Digital Care Project (Lancaster University) Mediating Intimacy (University Melbourne). then reorient discussion towards how probes work: both as interpretative fodder social scientists resource 'designers'. Finally new possible directions an approach challenges confronting approach.