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Sketch Interviews


Description:

A visualisation technique applicable to planning, design and problem solving. This tool provides for the visual articulation of ideas facilitated through drawings and sketches. Sketch interviewing allows the participant to articulate ideas that are not easily expressed through words and the interaction between facilitator and participant allows for the refinement and modification of the ideas visually to avoid misinterpretation.

Sketch interviews can be used in conjunction with surveys.

Objectives:

Sketch interviews aim to provide a visual perspective to the process of community consultation by providing people with paper and pens to sketch their ideas. This process may allow inclusion of those unable to express their views in writing or speaking (those who lack confidence, or have poor language skills or English as a second language).

Outcomes:

Sketch interviews provide tangible illustrations of community visions and issues, and allow inclusion of those who feel more comfortable making sketches of their ideas.

Uses/strengths:

  • Highly applicable to planning and design or where visual communication using images is preferred to text oriented consultation.
  • Where participants are uncomfortable in traditional participation forums.
  • Where participants are more comfortable in communicating ideas visually.
  • Flexibility in venue: can be conducted on-site or any number of venues.

Special considerations/weaknesses:

  • Facilitators require some drawing/sketching ability and the interpersonal skills to work closely with participants.
  • Limitations to the number of participants given the need for one on one or small group interactions.
  • Costly and time consuming if large numbers of facilitators and participants are required.
  • Need to articulate the purpose of the exercise and the role of the sketches.
  • Suggested that catering be supplied and an informal atmosphere is facilitated.

Resources required:

  • Publicity
  • Venue rental
  • Catering
  • Staffing
  • Facilitators
  • Recorders
  • Artists
  • Photographer
  • Audio and visual recording and amplification
  • Props for working in groups (pens, paper, pins, etc.)
  • Furniture
  • Children’s requirements

Can be used for:

  • Showcase product, plan, policy
  • Engage community
  • Discover community issues
  • Develop community capacity
  • Develop action plan
  • Communicate an issue

Number of people required to help organise:

  • Large (> 12 people)
  • Medium (2-12 people)

Audience size:

  • Large (> 30)
  • Medium (10-30)
  • Small (> 11)

Time required:

  • Medium (6 weeks - 6 months)
  • Short (< 6 weeks)

Skill level/support required:

  • Medium (Computer & other expertise)

Cost:

  • Low (< AUD$1,000)

Participation level:

  • Low (Information only)

Innovation level:

  • High (Innovative)
  • Low (Traditional)

Method:

  1. Publicise the sketch interviews through a number of publicity tools.
  2. Arrange for facilitators with drawing (as well as interpersonal) skills to be present.
  3. Schedule a meeting time on site or at a location convenient to the participants.
  4. During interviews:
    • Provide an overview of the purpose of the exercise.
    • Describe the role of the sketches in the project or process.
    • Provide catering and refreshments
    • Conduct interviews one-on-one or in very small groups.
    • Pin up all the sketches and have participants present their ideas to the larger group to maintain a sense of ownership.
    • Ask the group: ‘Where to from here?’ Describe opportunities for ongoing involvement or where the sketches are being used in the consultation process or project.