During my Lightning Round talk, I will discuss how research and design methods can be integrated to improve the creation of context sensitive experiences, such as multi-channel digital/physical environments, mobile devices, and integrated products and services.
Using this approach of doing combined research and design in the wild—in the real, messy complex world—requires both an adventurous, curious mindset and a good deal of preparation.

To support people in doing this work, I will introduce methodological frameworks for combining research and design and provide practical approaches for doing rapid iteration in the world including project logistics and planning, participant relations, prototyping tools and props, what to expect from the unexpected and how to deliver great designs. Case studies and other real world examples will be used to further illuminate the value and relevance of this approach.

Paula Wellings is an experience designer at Adaptive Path. Throughout her career, she has pursued her interest in the situative and psychosocial nature of how people interact with artifacts and environments. Past employers and clients include Human Code, Sapient, projekt202, Stanford University, WOWIO, Hasbro Interactive, IC2 Institute, Texas Workforce Commission, Dell, Citibank, Teachscape, Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Spark Media, Thomson West, Best Buy and Microsoft. Paula received her Masters of Art in Learning, Design & Technology from Stanford University and her Bachelors of Design in Electronic Communication Design from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.