The use of visual methodologies—photography, film, theater, graphics, and websites—is a common research and communication tool in many industries, including advertising, anthropology, and popular education. Researchers and evaluators have begun to use visual methodologies such as photovoice and digital storytelling for needs assessment and evaluation purposes. While each of these techniques are gaining increasing attention as valid and cost effective tools in comparison with more standard research and program planning methodologies, there has been little dialogue among practitioners about how visual methods can be used in concert with program planning and evaluation. This project directly addresses this concern.

There are four major components to this project that use Abundantia Consulting's extensive experience in the area of multi-media applied research: 1) conducting an environmental scan/assessment investigating recent uses of visual research methodologies in public health, the environment and conservation, and children, families and communities: 2) coordinating a one-day convening of practitioners and researchers involved or interested in visual research methodologies to discuss best practices, emerging trends, and new research priorities: 3) organizing a series of cross-disciplinary follow-up discussions with convening attendees to promote learning and pursue key questions that emerged during the convening; and 4) producing a multi-media synthesis report that will be circulated among convening attendees and other stakeholders.