Ethnographic Field Study: Understanding User Behavior in Local Market Contexts

The One-Day Educational Visit to Paltan Bazaar, Dehradun is organized for 3rd year (6th semester) B.Design students specializing in Product Design and Graphic Design, with the objective of providing hands-on exposure to Ethnographic Research methods. This visit is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world observation by immersing students in a vibrant and culturally rich marketplace.

Paltan Bazaar, one of Dehradun’s most prominent traditional markets, offers a dynamic environment where social interactions, local craftsmanship, retail practices, and spatial organization coexist organically. The bazaar serves as an ideal setting for students to study the relationship between users, products, and built spaces in an everyday commercial context. Through direct observation, students will analyze user behavior, purchasing patterns, visual communication, display techniques, and the influence of culture on product usage and branding.

During the visit, students will document their findings through sketches, photographs, notes, and interaction mapping. Emphasis will be placed on understanding human-centered design, informal design solutions, material usage, and the adaptability of traditional markets. This experiential learning exercise will strengthen students’ analytical skills, cultural sensitivity, and design thinking abilities, enabling them to translate real-world insights into informed design solutions. The visit will significantly contribute to their academic growth and professional preparedness for future design projects.

AIM of the Event:

• To conduct ethnographic research through direct observation and documentation of user behavior, local crafts, and spatial interactions within a traditional market setting.
• To develop contextual understanding of how design influences everyday life, commerce, and cultural expression in public spaces.
• To enhance students’ analytical and observational skills by engaging them in real-world environments beyond the classroom.
• To foster interdisciplinary learning among Product, Graphic, and Interior Design students through shared exploration and collective documentation.
• To generate primary research data that can support ongoing academic projects and strengthen user-centered design approaches in future coursework.

 

Participating School
School/Department Name	Year/Department
School of Architecture, Planning & Design	(3rd Year)

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