Research Studies

The central research question explored in the Digital Brain Switch (DBS) project was: How do modern communications affect our ability to manage switches across work-life boundaries?

The project was organised in two phases:

Phase 1, Understanding Switching, involved two key activities: (i) qualitative research on improving our understanding of the practices and rhythms in switching between roles. The deliverable of this phase was a first level analysis of the data collected; (ii) development of an initial DBS Research Platform which acted as a repository for quantitative and qualitative data collected and, in Phase 2, support design interventions with participants.

Phase 2, Supporting Switching, involved three key activities: (i) definition of interventions aimed at supporting switching, drawing from further analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and co-designed with our participants; (ii) development of software applications (features in the DBS Research Platform) to implement the interventions; (iii) evaluation of effectiveness of the interventions through analysis of the online fora and interviews from each iteration. The DBS Research Platform was facilitated by the whole project team and added to the existing data by giving participants opportunities to reflect over time on their practices and the efficacy of the interventions.

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