Case Studies

A major part of the research has been to undertake a series of case studies. The choice of this research method was made in order to generate data for analysis using the practice of design. The case studies became a means of generating data through experiential activity in real environments and investigating the interaction of events and human relationships within the urban. The formal collection of data in each space took place using multi-method research tools and communication design was then used to reflect an account of each space investigated.

The case studies specifically explored how people used the elements of text and audio-based communication to move through urban spaces, objectives being to analyse the relationship between text and auditory forms of communication in urban city environments. To conduct this research it was important that the case studies were undertaken from a phenomenological perspective to reflect the researcher’s own perception and understanding of each space. Undertaking the case studies also allowed for the monitoring of an urban space and real situations rather than abstract theories and principles. The environmental research involved a comprehensive exploration of six public squares in cities allowing for the comparison of data. The case studies looking at the levels of communication in these concentrated areas helped to identify needs and opportunities for exploring ways of problem solving.