Ling Cai
 Demystifying Experience: Crafting Research Questions for Virtual Collaboration

PhD
CollaborationCo-creationHuman-Computer InteractionDesign HistorySystemsVirtualExperienceUser ExperienceCommunication ResearchHuman Centred Design
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    Summary


    My research challenges the current theory on experiences in workplace Virtual Collaborative Environments (VCEs). The study aims to provide alternative understandings of experience for better co-working processes and enhance knowledge in Information Experience Design.

    Experience plays a central role in this research. It is, therefore, crucial to clarify its meaning in relation to the topic to gauge its overall dimension. To achieve this, I employ progressive refinement of research questions and work towards clear, targeted questions that gather relevant findings (White, 2009; Striano, 2016). For example, instead of asking, "How do people experience?" I propose the following questions: "Who are the co-workers? How do they feel about virtual collaboration platforms?" Various techniques are used to address these concerns, such as reviewing existing research, theoretical models, and practices (Lewins, 1992).

    Connecting research questions is critical for achieving an in-depth understanding of the study topic. One way to perceive these links is by visual means, such as using paper strips (see Video 1, Figures 1 and 2) – giving them a physical tangibility. This methodology, along with exploring theoretical foundations and related approaches, builds a clearer picture of the subject and aims to construct a rigorous understanding of the virtual collaborative experience. Finally, the process is iterative (White, 2009; Janusheva, 2022), and I will review questions undergoing progressive modification.


    References

    Janusheva, V. (2022) A review of the qualitative research question(s)' relevance, TEACHER, International Journal of Education, Vol, 24.

    Lewins, F. (1992) Social Science Methodology: A Brief but Critical Introduction. South Melbourne: Macmillan.

    Striano, T. (2016) Doing Developmental Research: A Practical Guide. 1st edn. New York: The Guilford Press.

    White, P. (2009) Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Video 1; Figures 1, and 2: Cai, L. (2023) Demystifying Experience: Crafting Research Questions for Virtual Collaboration. RCA Research Biennale [Video; Photograph]. "One way to perceive these links is by visual means, such as using paper strips [...]" © The Author.