Cultural probes are a research method used to understand user culture without directly questioning users. Probes take the form of design objects like disposable cameras or diaries that are given to users to provoke inspirational responses. When returned, the probes are not analyzed but rather looked through for inspiration to inform experimental design through dialogue. The goal is to discover new cultural understandings and preferences to inspire design, rather than gather precise information.

1. CULTURAL PROBES RESEARCHING USER CULTURE GAVER, DUNNE AND PACENTI

11. WHO INTERPRETS The Probes simultaneously make the strange familiar and the familiar strange p. 6

12. BEYOND THIS, HOWEVER, THE PROBES EMBODIED AN APPROACH TO DESIGN THAT RECOGNIZES AND EMBRACES THE NOTION THAT KNOWLEDGE HAS LIMITS. IT’S AN APPROACH THAT VALUES UNCERTAINTY, PLAY, EXPLORATION, AND SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION AS WAYS OF DEALING WITH THOSE LIMITS.