Four reasons for using the probes approach

TUULI MATTELMAAKI (2005)  Applying probes – from inspirational notes to collaborative insights-

This figure (above) "summarizes the four reasons for using the probes approach in human centered design and their typical characteristics when applied in concept design".

"The probes data, and process, has been seen to fuel design inspiration. They enable a user-centered dialogue between the users and the designers and within the design team. Probes help to familiarize the design team with the users and the research theme and to focus the research questions".

"Probes allow interpretation, inspiration, creativity in data gathering and ideation".

littleBits

LittleBits is a system of electronic modules that snap together with magnets for prototyping and play. Going to get me some tomorrow!

http://mashable.com/2012/02/29/littlebits/
http://littlebits.cc/

if people want to be "anywhere else but here" in relation to their hospitalisation then where is the "anywhere else"?

Reading about 'cultural probes' with kids- Applying probes – from inspirational notes to collaborative insights- TUULI MATTELMAAKI (2005)
This serves to help me developing a 'Cultural Probe' for use with children ,families etc (this is after Gavers et al 1999) .
 they "purposefully invite or provoke users to reflect on and verbalize their experiences, feelings and attitudes, and to visualize their actions and contexts"  Mattelmaånki (2005)  

I've begun developing a series of about 6 cards that can be used as provocations ( A bit like the IDEO cards) and hope to have them roughed out this week
these will be included alondg with a booklet that has a series of visual and written provocations
an 'interactive kit' including conductive plasticine,leds and batteries that will enable people ( I hope) to make a 3d version of an environment,
collage materials

what I want to find out is if as the literature suggests that people want to be "anywhere else but here" in relation to their hospital stay then where is the "anywhere else" ?