Given the diverse nature and the ambivalence of what could be defined as a potential 'filing' system, it was pertinent to find a method to the proverbial madness of what was to come.
Our process began with rudimentary affinity mapping, and identification of what could be the purpose or intent of filing.
We identified different user groups based on their diversity, profession, demographic, gender etc. We also identified different geographical, environmental and utilitarian contexts where potential filing could take place. It’s also important to note that this identification was done using a very lateral and holistic definition of filing.
Once the context of study was set, we engaged with users by asking them to file a stack of papers, without any explicit instructions.
Following several iterations of these for different contexts, the observations were compiled in a matrix. Observations also included sketches, that were displayed analogous to these initial observations.
Once the observations were made, they were discussed/peer reviewed among participating team members.
We also, given the diversity of the activity, identified a generic definition / steps that constituted filing, and observed each instance as a modality of that initial framework.
The key observations were categorized in a few broad based demarcations. These demarcated observations were
analyzed in the larger framework of their context, all while identifying needs that emerge from them.
A few key observations were chosen considering the need to address it in the current social context. Each of the team members picked a specific domain where the observed issues were prevalent to understand where the problem lies. My area of study was to understand the newspaper sorting and distribution services in the local neighborhoods.
Problem statements were formulated that would alleviate problems, and address identified needs.
For the identified problem statement, suitable ideas and concepts were devised which needs to be further developed for implementation.
