This project investigates the collaborative qualities of performative photography. It reports on the co-creation and insight gathering between observer and performer while using performative photography as an ideation method for RtD projects in HCI, using the process of producing photographs as a means of ideation. 

What are the essential factors in establishing an effective and creative collaboration for practising performative photography as a mean for ideation?

Photography is a tool often used for RtD purposes in HCI. Blevis [1] describes and illustrates its role in creating and recording design knowledge where photographs intend to engage the reader as much as the text.Furthermore, Blevis proposes that competencies of understanding images and producing high-quality images are core to HCI and design, referring to quality as an illustration of thoughtful construction.

Kocaballi et al. [3] use a performative approach to photography, emphasising the role of taking photographs as an act of constructing new realities. While documentary photographing aims to capture realities as they are, performance photography instead takes an active role in shaping the realities of which they are part. There is, therefore, always a performative element in photographing that intervenes and shapes the scene the photographer is capturing.

To gather insights of the collaborative qualities of performative photography a Research through Design (RtD) methodology was used. [2] Building on participatory design (PD) [4], I invited a co-researcher, Karolin Valaszkai, to participate and continuously discuss, ideate on and explore the topic during two weeks of co-living.

During the two weeks of co-living and co-creating, Karolin and I produced images in a different way than either of us had done before. What were the essential factors in establishing an effective and creative collaboration for practising performative photography as a mean for ideation? 

We found that we needed a foundation of trust and creating a safe space in order to feel comfortable in our roles as performer and observer. It was important to support spontaneity, letting go of or establishing control and building a common frame of reference. Furthermore, by reflecting together during ideation, the reflection builds and guides the co-creation. Even after the picture has been taken, there is still reflections taking place during the editing phase. Therefore, co-creators should be invited to participate all the steps of the design process.