Sketching dialogue: incorporating sketching in empathetic semi-Structured interviews for human-computer interaction research

We introduce a novel data collection technique, Sketching Dialogue, which incorporates sketching as an integral part of the semi-structured interview process. This approach was evaluated and validated using two case studies involving 21 participants. Through the first case study, we demonstrate the value of Sketching Dialogue as an additional supportive artefact for interactive discussion in the interview setting. The second case study involved a process of other researchers applying the method within six different studies on a range of topics. We outline how Sketching Dialogue provided a more effective form of engagement with participants, especially regarding (personally) sensitive topics or where empathetic engagement was required. Through this work, we illustrate how sketching can enhance the quality of traditional research interviews for studies in human–computer interaction, in part due to its particularly flexible and accessible nature. Based on our experience, we also reflect upon the steps and practices needed to introduce a new qualitative research method to human–computer interaction researchers and designers.