Thinking Through Comics Method

18th January 2024

Lead institution:
University of Edinburgh

Authors:
Professor Eric Laurier and Dr Shari Sabeti

Funded Project:
Methods for Change Phase 2

This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Thinking Through Comics method used by Professor Eric Laurier and Dr Shari Sabeti from the University of Edinburgh. The comic strip was created in collaboration with Jack Brougham.

@Eric_Laurier and @ShariSabeti

Social scientists from the Methods for Change project came together to discuss the research methods they use and how methods create change in society. Drawing from the expertise in the Aspect network, they collaborated on a series of ‘how to’ guides which are step-by-step instructions and top-tips for adopting these methods in a range of sectors. Visual and multisensory pieces, including comics, illustrations, posters, booklets, short films and animations were then developed in collaboration with creatives to capture the key value of these research methods with a view to being able to convey them to a variety of audiences.

It is hoped that these resources will be useful for people in higher education, commercial, public sector, third sector and community organisations who are interested in experimenting with, and expanding professional skills in, the adoption of social science research methods.

Thinking Through Comics is a versatile methodology which involves integrating the process of comic-making into the doing of research at different stages. It is a growing field and is occasionally called ‘comics-based research’ (see Kuttner et al. 2021).

Comics can be described as a combination of text and image, often contained in panels, which are juxtaposed in a sequence to tell a story. The interplay between text and image, panels within and across pages, and the telling of multiple stories means comics are also sophisticated structures with potential for anyone embarking on an inquiry. However, because of their association with popular culture and younger audiences, comics are often used by researchers at the end point of research to communicate ideas to non-academic audiences. Thinking Through Comics, in contrast, situates the comic as a way of thinking throughout the research process: from the collection of data to its analysis and the presentation of findings. Thinking through Comics and doing research are therefore concurrent activities. This methodology entails two stages: firstly, setting out with the frame of a comic-making in mind at the beginning of any data collection. Starting this way leads to the collection of particular kinds of materials, materials that in the first stage share much in common with other research methodologies. For example, visual materials such as photographs, film and drawings. In the second stage, it involves using the mechanisms of comics as a mode of thinking through, and with, the materials collected. Merging data collection and analysis with comic book praxis has the potential for distinct perspectives and insights into experience, interaction, environments and processes. At these stages, it can either be the researcher, the participants, or a collaborating artist who is making a comic book. The comic books can also be made through a variety of different modes: drawing, collaging, or through online programmes.


Explore more

FastFrame, Templates for Prototyping Software Apps

The aim of the FastFrame project is to allow innovation offices to provide better support for academics that are creating innovative apps e.g. a data dashboard, a training app or an interactive journey.

Announcing The Social Venture Pathway

The Social Venture Pathway offers a toolkit of resources to guide you through the process of creating a social venture. This self-guided pathway aims to fill the gaps missing from traditional innovation processes by providing a clear and comprehensive training resource for starting your first social venture.

Members only

Train the Trainer 

This is an overview of the methods used to obtain relevant information for the Train the Trainer project.

Members only

Building on ABCs – Phase 3 Expansion: Creating Collaborations

Modular Knowledge-Exchange Training Course that gives insights into processes and requirements to developing business partnerships.

Ready to join
our network?

The Aspect Network welcomes applications from like-minded organisations across the world to become members

Join us in contributing to solutions for the global challenges we encounter. Reach out to us today to discover how the Aspect Network can support you

Join us Member login