POEMS – Research Tool

Label: Research

Understand people by evaluating the objects present in a context or environment. POEMS is a tool that will help you understand the context by evaluating five elements: People, Objects, Environment, Messages, and Services. This is a research tool and should be used during and after research. This tool is also used during the “Five human factors” tool. For beginners, this tool is easier.

How to start.

Get ready to go out into the field and take your template on your computer, bring a notebook, a camera, and a pen.

STEP 1: Observation

Observe people or ask them questions and focus on observing how people interact with information, objects, and the environment.

STEP 2: People, Objects, Environment and Messages

Evaluate people through the POEMS framework and fill out the board template.

• People: Find and describe all of the different groups; Mothers, customers, etc. Try to note all of the different types of people. Why are they there? What is their role?
• Objects: What objects do you see in this environment? What are the main categories? What is the relationship between objects, and why are those objects there? Tables, newspapers, coffee mugs, etc.
• Environments: Describe all of the different spaces and environments where different activities occur and where different mindsets are found. Define the context per environment.
• Messages: What are people talking about? What things are being communicated, and how are those messages being transmitted?
• Services: What services are available in this context? When and why are those services used? Think about cleaning, delivery services, etc.