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Working with Teenagers in HCI Research: A Reflection on Techniques Used in the Taking on the Teenagers Project

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Book cover Perspectives on HCI Research with Teenagers

Part of the book series: Human–Computer Interaction Series ((HCIS))

Abstract

Engaging participants and choosing an appropriate technique in the research process are vitally important in developing successful products, devices and interventions. HCI researchers need to choose techniques that are suitable and appropriate for the user population being considered. In this chapter techniques used within HCI research activities with teenagers during the Taking on the Teenagers research project are considered, providing a brief case study example of each. The key features of each technique are then summarised, in order to allow comparison between techniques and assist both researchers and practitioners when selecting techniques. Second, the authors reflect critically upon their practical experiences working with teens and the lessons they have learned, in order to formulate nine guidelines that inform best practice when working with teenaged user populations.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all the teenagers, and teachers, who have participated in the studies discussed in this paper. Part of this work was funded by RCUK/EPSRC research grants (EP/1000720/1; EP/I002251/1)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child-Computer Interaction Group, School of Physical Sciences and Computing, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE, Preston, UK

    Daniel Fitton, Matthew Horton & Janet C. Read

  2. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, York St John University, York, YO31 7EX, UK

    Beth T. Bell

  3. PaCT Lab, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, UK

    Linda Little & Nicola Toth

  4. Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1 7UQ, London, UK

    Michelle Rouse

Authors
  1. Daniel Fitton
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  2. Beth T. Bell
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  3. Linda Little
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  4. Matthew Horton
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  5. Janet C. Read
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  6. Michelle Rouse
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  7. Nicola Toth
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Fitton .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. PaCT Lab, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom

    Linda Little

  2. Child-Computer Interaction Group, School of Physical Sciences and Computing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom

    Daniel Fitton

  3. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, York St John University, York, United Kingdom

    Beth T. Bell

  4. PaCT Lab, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom

    Nicola Toth

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Fitton, D. et al. (2016). Working with Teenagers in HCI Research: A Reflection on Techniques Used in the Taking on the Teenagers Project. In: Little, L., Fitton, D., Bell, B., Toth, N. (eds) Perspectives on HCI Research with Teenagers. Human–Computer Interaction Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33450-9_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33450-9_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-33448-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-33450-9

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