Try culture specific research methods

Designing or writing for another culture requires mass amounts of research. The book recommends three research techniques valuable for studying culture. The first technique is cultural probing, in which participants interact with the care packages you provide them. The basic steps are the following:

1. Determinate the goals (Be concise and clear on what info you need)
2. Develop the tasks (Write instructions in clear language the participants will clearly understand)
3. Form the kits (Create a list of needed material and then put it together with your team)
4. Disperse them (Give your participants the kits in person or through the mail; send a pre-stamped and filled out return package to make it easier for participants to give you back your package)
5. Synthesize the data (turn it into quantitative data)

The second technique is the Bollywood method, in which you give participants a scenario before performing a task. The basic steps are the following:

1. Develop a narrative (Create a scenario where the participants are under pressure)
2. Adjust the narrative focus to be relevant to the culture you’re testing 
3. Document your testing procedures (narrative and product-related task)
4. Employ local facilitators to conduct your test (They are more knowledgeable and will appear more credible)
5. Record the participant’s responses

The third technique is the Walking Havana method, in which participants create collages that represent aspects of their community. The basic steps are the following: 

1. Gather material with suitable images (Have a variety of magazines and picture books)
2. Allow the participants to create and name their collage
3. Find a space for sharing (Have the participants come together in an accessible area, maybe a classroom or a community center) 
4. Record the participant’s responses
5. Explain what will happen to the work (Do you allow them to keep artifacts of the collages? You could take high-resolution pictures and allow them to take their artwork home or display it in the community)