The camera study is often used in the observation phases of Design Thinking and Lean Startup. In camera studies, people are simply given still or video cameras for a period of time. They are then asked to take pictures or film clips of certain parts of their lives and to add short notes to each. In the age of smartphones, these can of course also do the job very well.
Camera studies are suitable for many cases, mainly whenever innovators cannot always conduct the observation phase themselves and when presence would also influence behaviors.
Example: Participants take a picture of each meal and note the location and motivation for it.
