Building ideas: Using creative and inclusive techniques in research
6 November 2025 12-1pm
Join us for an engaging webinar that explores the use of creative methods in research.
Our speakers will share practical examples of innovative techniques, reflections on their experiences and insights into the value of creative, inclusive approaches.
What you’ll learn
Why researchers use creative approaches
Training and support available
Examples of methods such as Play-Doh and LEGO with different age groups – not just young people
Key learning and insights from real projects
Opportunities to ask questions and join the discussion
Speakers include
Dr Lis Grey – Behavioural Scientist, NIHR ARC West
Lis designs and tests health interventions, with a focus on health communication and working with people affected by neurodegenerative disorders. She will present a co-design project tackling loneliness, which used creative tools, including drawing, Play-Doh, and LEGO, to help participants express feelings and imagine possible futures.
Professor Debbie Watson – Professor of Child and Family Welfare, University of Bristol
Debbie is also Director of the Brigstow Institute, which fosters radically interdisciplinary, co-produced, and creative research. She will share her use of “sandboxing” in the Difficult Conversations project, which explored sensitive topics with care-experienced children and their carers/professionals. Her talk will highlight both the opportunities and ethical challenges of using metaphor, objects, and making in research.
Dr Ahlam Sawsaa – Research Fellow, Born in Bradford
Ahlam has extensive experience working with diverse communities, using innovative and participatory methods. She is particularly interested in creative approaches that make research more accessible, inclusive, and impactful. In this session, she will present findings from the Data Acceptance project, which used LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to open discussion, encourage collaboration, and generate fresh perspectives.
Who should attend?
This session is ideal for researchers, students, practitioners, public contributors and anyone interested in creative, participatory and inclusive approaches to research.