># Zines
>

Authors: [Anne Pässilä application from Monica Biagioli and Allan Owens] Biagioli, M., Pässilä, A. and Owens, A. (forthcoming 2020) The Zine method as a form of qualitative analysis. Jeff Adams & Allan Owens (eds) **Beyond Text - Learning through arts-based research practices**. Intellect LTD. pp.186-200
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepassila/)*

Summary
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**Art-form**^1^: The zine method is a process-based approach to qualitative analysis applying a multi-page technique. The project stakeholder records impressions and notions of a process before, during and/or after; with a wide range of symbolic, illustrative and textual means of recording afforded by the method. It constitutes a designed artefact and is notional, reflective, and interpretative. The method allows for the active use of subjective forms of expression and analysis in project construction, analysis, and development.


Sketch by Anne Pässilä, photo by Antti Knutas

*Zines*

**Requirements**
* Time: long or short process which requires a time and place
* Difficulty^2^: 2 stars
* What you'll need: Zine paper, pencils and lived event you are observing and also theoretical framework of your study
* Participants: Research team members (including participants)

Description
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**Steps**
The zine method utilises a multi-page technique from the graphic arts for use by non-specialists. The zine, is a space where elements of a problem area or a solution can be mapped via the visual plane. Going beyond the single page format, the zine allows for multi-page and multi-dimensional expressions to come into contact with each other; for example, visual notions that have not been connected in the mind of the participant can be juxtaposed via this approach while still retaining their individual integrity in the single page.
1.Prepare Zine papers in advance
2.Create time for observing visualising (visual notes) discussions
3.Share and talk about observations
4.Make links around what you find

**Which stage to use it in**
Design

**Why it is useful**
It applies the visual prototype as an integral part of ideation, problem-solving, and innovation; rather than as a decorative prop. The participant has the ability to choose how to apply the method to their particular circumstance: express the problem to other group members or to oneself; come up with solutions; identify difficulties in the undertaking of the problem area; or use it as a presentation method in a narrative structure.

**How to document**
Scanning or photographing Zines

**Analysis**
Content analysis

*Footnotes*

^1^ Categories are based on Sara Coemans and Karin Hannes. 2017. Researchers under the spell of the arts: Two decades of using arts-based methods in community-based inquiry with vulnerable populations. Educational Research Review 22 (2017), 34–49.
^2^ 1-5 stars, I star being easy to facilitate and do not require deep artistic skills and 5 stars requiring deep level artistic skills.

###### tags: `art-based methods guide` `book` `method`