ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to examine the ethnographic approach within historical and contemporary contexts, outlines its guiding principles, detail the primary methods and techniques used in ethnographically informed design practice, and provides case examples of ethnography in action. It also provides an introduction to ethnography, primarily as it relates to studies in human-computer interaction (HCI) and focuses on some of the more controversial topics within the field of ethnographic research that have enlivened mainstream academic discourse. The chapter discusses the academics and professionals in the field of HCI with a working understanding of ethnography, an appreciation for its value in designing new technologies and practices, and a discerning eye when it comes to reviewing and evaluating ethnographically informed design studies. The running narration recorded on videotape provided insights into the everyday use of the file cabinet that helped inform the design of an electronic file cabinet.
