iStopMotion Role-play

Why?

This method enables the students to put various context, user and concepts into play as to discover and define needs, values and problems in different contextual settings. Moreover, since the students take a picture of every move of their characters as to make the movie clip contiguous, it requires them to reflect on every motion

How?

The students use the software program iStopMotion for iPad or iPhone in order to record a video clip or movie of the improvised or fictitious scenario that they want to put into play. For example, a specific user behavior or experience linked to the problem. The students can either play the characters themselves or build them in Lego or plasticine. During the process, the students discuss every movement of their character.

Tips

To get some constructive feedback, the students play their video clip for users or other stakeholders associated with the problem.

The students can use the various effects of the iStopMotion software, like speech bubbles or sound effects (e.g. voiceover or background music). For further inspiration, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD-YJk0zRrM

Literature

Brandt, E., & Grunnet, C. (2000, November). Evoking the future: Drama and props in user centered design. In Proceedings of Participatory Design Conference (PDC 2000) (pp. 11-20).

Storvang, P. (26. August 2015). iStopMotion Role-play. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD-YJk0zRrM