Some research advice and how to go about a concept & evaluation project in one!

Sam,

Firstly I think your project is a really interesting subject area to tackle with a proposed design solution (good on you for trying something really challenging) and as I said in our meeting on Friday I think you should look to the work Jenna and co. have done with the DASH project (in partnership with Gateshead PCT) for a bit of inspiration on how to incorporate evaluation and concept style approaches into one project: http://www.dott07.com/go/dash you can download their final report from the Dott website also.

As I said on Friday, I would write yourself some research objectives. This will ensure you make the best use of your time by filtering out the vast array of research sources of limited relevance and will also help you communicate what your trying to find out and why to those people you would like to participate in your research activities. I would also think a bit more about enlisting some support/partnership for your project from a local play strategy officer from one of the local councils (I'll ask my Mum if she knows of anyone working in this area in the north east). On that note I have been away all weekend so I haven't had chance to speak to my Mum about any useful contacts and reading she can suggest but I will try and get hold of her this week for you.

Hope the project plan is shaping up well (I look forward to see your critical path!), and if you need any more help before we next meet you know how to get hold of me.

Nina

P.S. great idea setting up a project blog - will really help you when you come to write up the project.