Advancing the Value of Ethnography

An Apprenticeship in Attention for a Time between Worlds

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While the desire to extract actionable insights from ethnographic research is understandable, the guiding measure of an ethnographic encounter should be the quality of presence and play, serendipity and silence.

Through a story of intergenerational sensemaking and reminiscing, this PechaKucha argues that the guiding measure of an ethnographic encounter is the quality of presence and play, not the extractive rush to “actionable insight.” It asks us to re-examine our conceptions of expertise; the supposed ‘depth’ of in-depth interviews; and the need to welcome serendipity and silence.

Indigo Weller is a consultant and narrative researcher with a background in patient advocacy and medical education. Prior to joining Stripe Partners, he served as a development editor for patients writing illness memoirs and legacy projects. He is a facilitator for the European Reminiscence Network, an international dementia arts initiative, and holds degrees in Bioethics, Narrative Medicine, and Creative Writing.

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