Elements of storytelling frequently appear in research, from the germ of new project ideas, and the creation of hypotheses, to development through design processes, and towards new products and services. We also use storytelling for communication of our work, to peers, end users, the wider public and organisations. These stories appear in many guises, navigating tradition forms of writing, practice and critical enquiry, and creating wholly different experiences accessible in a new era of distribution.

This one-day workshop will identify and map the range of conscious and unconscious storytelling tools adopted in all stages of research, including design processes (e.g. Personas and Scenarios, Forum Theatre, and Design Fictions) and artifacts (e.g. Visualisation, Internet of Things, 3D printing). Together we will explore emerging digital means of capturing, sharing and experiencing stories as a methodological tool and by drawing on participant expertise it will initiate development of visual aids to distill and encode these practices for use in academia and beyond.