New publication: Sensory probes in fieldwork

Anna has recently published a chapter in the book ‘An Ethnographic Inventory: Field Devices for Anthropological Inquiries’, edited by Thomás Sánchez Criado and Adolfo Estalella. The book extensively covers different methods of inquiry for ethnographic research and presents fieldwork as an act of relational invention. Anna’s chapter, titled ‘How to Disrupt Our Field Habits with Sensory Probes’, contributes to this collection by introducing a new tool for ethnographers to cultivate new ways of noticing in the field.

In her chapter, Anna discusses sensory probes as devices designed to deliberately disrupt ethnographers’ habits and challenge them to develop new ways of observing and sensing the world around them. She argues that ethnographers often rely on improvised practices and habits developed over time, which can lead to complacency and a failure to notice important details in the field. Sensory probes help to not to take too much for granted in fieldwork, and to foster a more deliberate and attentive approach to fieldwork.

Moreover, Anna’s chapter highlights the collaborative potential of sensory probes for team projects. Collaborative ethnographic projects are becoming increasingly common, demanding creative teamwork approaches. The sensory probe is a seemingly simple yet potentially powerful device for opening up new kinds of exchange and insight in team projects. Ultimately, the sensory probe acts as a disruptive prompt for discontinuity and elicits a form of education, through both the crafting and following of instruction, for sensing ethnographers.