On this page you’ll find an overview of the research objectives, methods devised to achieve them and the key insights.

Research Objectives

• Pottery was recommended for therapeutic benefit
• It is used as an opportunity to disconnect and distract the mind
• It offers a creative outlet | | 2. Identify what goals users have to practise pottery? | ‣ ‣ | - Users want to invest more time into their practise and improve their skill levels
• Users want to make something for themselves or as a gift | | 2. Identify the primary pain points and challenges users face when pursuing their pottery-related activities. What obstacles do they encounter? | ‣ ‣ | - Pottery classes are expensive and inaccessible
• Learning at home is difficult as they do not have a guide
• Users experience a lack of patience hich causes them to be frustrated
• Users struggle to practise consistently
• There is a steep learning curve and users are overwhelmed when starting pottery | | 3. Determine where users prefer to engage with pottery-related content and activities. Is it through websites, mobile apps, social media, or other platforms? | ‣ ‣ | - Users are most likely to engage with pottery content online, particularly by finding inspiration on social media | | 4. Explore the types of content users find most valuable, such as pottery tutorials, product showcases, artist stories, or user-generated content. | ‣ ‣ | - All users expressed they would find video tutorials helpful
• Users need step by step instructions | | 5. To explore the benefits of doing pottery, such as the health and socialising benefits. | ‣ ‣ | - There are many studied on the benefit of clay work in art therapy
• Doing 45 minutes of clay work reduces cortisol levels
• Pottery induces a meditative state
• The sense of achievement from making something increases confidence and self-esteem
• Pottery has been shown to improve self-expression, mood depression and quality of life
• Users have been recommended pottery by therapists/ have done it for mental health benefits
• Doing pottery in a group has been shown to increase social inclusion | | 6. To identify any existing overlap between pottery and the digital field | ‣ | - Existing digital solutions fall into 3 categories; learning and community, visualisation and project management
• Challenges not addressed include; lack of structured learning path, selecting best/most relevant techniques and focusing own the moment not the outcome | | 7. To understand users thoughts on adding a digital element to the pottery experience and identity any challenges | ‣ ‣ | - Generally receptive to ides of utilising technology
• Ideas included; step by step tutorial, music /atmospheric sounds, connecting with others, incorporating mindfulness and yoga and providing inspiration for pieces |