I've had some brilliant responses already on the research stuff I'm doing for the Dots conference in September (full explanation here), full of texture and detail, and things I'd not properly clocked.
As always, it's worth sharing these with you all, as it helps everyone think about their own working methods when you read what other people do.
If you'd like to take part, the survey is here.
Matt Desmier, UK
What do you use Artefact Cards for?
I use the cards to help order my thinking. My mind bounces off all over the place and using Artefact Cards helps me capture various thoughts and then slowly order them. They're useful when creating decks, proposals, anything that requires a narrative of some description...
And I like that I can write some ideas down on the cards, go off for an hour or a day or two and then come back to the cards and reorder them, add to them or whatever
When do you use Artefact Cards in your process?
Right at the start to capture ideas;
During to reframe ideas and determine the narrative;
At the end to present the final piece (i can't use any design tools, but I can draw and photograph)
Why are Artefact Cards similar to other tools you've used?
They're quick and easy to use. I used to write stream of consciousness lists on scraps of paper and post-it notes, now I use Artefact Cards.
Why are Artefact Cards different to other tools you've used?
They're aesthetically pleasing. They last longer than scraps of paper and post-it notes. And they cover up my inadequacies as a user of design software and technology! They make my presentations look good!
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Simon Johnson, UK
What do you use Artefact Cards for?
Planning an outline to a presentation.
Structuring user research
Recording specific research findings
When do you use Artefact Cards in your process?
During, before and after research
Why are Artefact Cards similar to other tools you've used?
They are unsticky Post-it notes
Why are Artefact Cards different to other tools you've used?
They don't stick and are easy to pick up and handle.
Anything else?
Make them cheaper...
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Richard Weston, Northern Ireland
What do you use Artefact Cards for?
To juggle the component parts of a concept.
I break things down in elements, spread them upon a table and slide things around.
When do you use Artefact Cards in your process?
It's the second thing I do, after I've collected/researched my raw material.
Why are Artefact Cards similar to other tools you've used?
It sounds dumb but: they're yellow, like you-know-whats and they're card.
I've used both before (including cards that I've cut out myself). But having "made for purpose" things feels better. I don't have to think about them.
Why are Artefact Cards different to other tools you've used?
Pre-made helps. More immediate. Physical stacks feel good. If you think too much about them they don't sound that exciting but they work. and they're ready to go.
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Want to add your thoughts? Head here...