Annotated Portfolios as a Method to Analyse Interviews

Abstract

This paper explores the use of annotated portfolios as a method to support the qualitative analysis of interview data about design projects. Annotated portfolios have so far been used to support artefacts with text in order to discuss them in the context of ‘research through design’ In this paper, we interpret the five-step method of McCracken and relate it to annotated portfolios to analyse interviews. We use a case study on design projects related to 3D printing and sustainability to illustrate the process. Five designers were interviewed to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of Additive Manufacturing in practice. These interviews were analysed in a visual process with annotated portfolios. The use of annotated portfolios is considered a meaningful approach to analyse interviews, because it leads to a more transparent analysis process: The visuals are rich in information, bring clarity to the data for interpretation and pattern finding and make this stage insightful for discussion with peers.