From observation to insight: real-world research to inspire lasting participation

Our approach focused on understanding walkers and organisers in their everyday settings, combining contextual research with co-design to uncover the deeper drivers of engagement and future opportunities.

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Insight mapping

 

I began by reviewing existing research and program data from the Heart Foundation. I mapped the walking journey across different stages to visualise what was already known and identify knowledge gaps. This helped set clear objectives and focus areas for the upcoming research activities.

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Interviews with organisers

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I conducted five one-on-one interviews, both online and in person, with organisers from different walking groups. Using a semi-structured approach, I guided conversations around the research goals while allowing new themes to emerge naturally. This flexibility helped uncover variations in group dynamics and organiser strategies as they arose in discussion. The interviews revealed how organisers motivate participants, manage challenges, and foster a sense of connection, emphasising their crucial role in sustaining engagement across the program.

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Contextual research through walk-along

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I designed and co-planned the contextual inquiry activities for two walking groups in Sydney, engaging more than twenty participants. By joining their regular walks, I observed group interactions, environmental influences, and individual motivations in a natural setting. As a multilingual researcher, I was able to connect with participants who spoke Mandarin and Cantonese, ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse perspectives were represented in a way that they felt most comfortable in.

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Co-design workshops with walkers

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Following the fieldwork, I co-planned and facilitated two in-person workshops with nine walkers. We created a welcoming and open environment where participants new to such a setting could share their motivations, challenges, and ideas for improving the program. The balance of structured activities and open discussion allowed participants to build on one another’s ideas and co-create meaningful directions for the program’s future.

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Co-design with the Heart Foundation team

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As a team, we synthesised research findings and co-design outputs to present to the Heart Foundation stakeholders. We facilitated prioritisation of design opportunities, ensuring the program’s future development was aligned with both walker needs and organisational goals.

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Synthesis and reporting

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As the lead author, I consolidated findings from all research activities into a comprehensive report. The report presented insights into how engagement changes throughout the walking journey, how organisers can be better supported, and outlined a clear set of actionable recommendations for future program development.