My Essential Gear for Solo Field Research: What I Can’t Work Without
As a solo field researcher, you must prepare everything in advance and accept that sometimes, despite your best efforts, something might still be missing from your research. This is because, unlike working in a team, there is no one to cover your blind spots. Even if you meticulously plan every detail from scratch, as human beings, we are still prone to oversight, especially in research where perfection is unrealistic.
One critical aspect to ensure success as a solo researcher is being well-prepared with the right logistics. In the tech world, this concept is often referred to as “EDC” (Everyday Carry), and as someone who conducts all research onsite and outside the office, having the right tools is essential. These tools help mitigate the limitations of human error and blind spots. Below is my Everyday Carry, the essential items I always (or sometimes) bring during field research:
1. iPad, Notebook, or Paper
I recently transitioned from using a notebook and pen to an iPad because it integrates seamlessly with my laptop and helps me stay organized. In the past, I struggled with managing paper notes, especially during university, which led to inefficiencies. Using digital note-taking tools now allows me to store and access my notes across multiple devices via cloud services.
However, during my most recent research project, I used the iPad primarily for viewing guidelines I had prepared. I found that I engage more deeply with participants when I’m not actively writing. Even taking small notes can distract me from fully focusing on listening and observing participants in their environment. For me, empathy building requires total attention, and splitting focus — whether on writing or typing — takes away from that.
2. External Recorder
An external recorder is the single most important tool in my research kit. As a solo researcher, I don’t have the luxury of a team member to help with note-taking, so trying to write, listen, and engage all at once would not only divide my focus but also diminish the quality of my interactions with participants. This is why I rely on an external recorder to capture the conversation, allowing me to fully engage with participants during the session.
By recording the session, I can listen later during debriefing and capture important details that might have slipped through the cracks if I had been trying to do everything at once. This allows me to focus entirely on building rapport, observing, and absorbing the participants’ actions and emotions in real-time — without worrying about missing anything critical.
I also prefer an external recorder because it’s discreet and doesn’t draw attention during the research process. While I always ask for consent before recording, having a small, unobtrusive device helps participants feel more comfortable compared to using a large recording setup, which can make them self-conscious. A smartphone could work as an alternative, but using a dedicated external recorder allows me to avoid draining my phone’s battery, which I need for other essential tasks like navigation and taking photos.
In summary, my external recorder ensures I can remain fully present during sessions without sacrificing the collection of detailed and accurate data. It’s crucial for conducting thorough research without the need for extra hands.
3. Smartphone
A smartphone is a vital tool for navigating unfamiliar locations during field research. I also use it to capture images of artifacts since bringing a large or even a compact camera adds unnecessary bulk to my gear. Carrying extra equipment, especially when traveling by motorcycle, can lead to discomfort or back pain. Modern smartphones have excellent cameras, and features like timestamps ensure that I can accurately document when and where photos were taken. For ease of use and mobility, smartphones are more practical than full-frame or mirrorless cameras.
4. Small Backpack
I prefer a small backpack for its convenience and the increased mobility it offers. Carrying a large bag can create negative perceptions, particularly in smaller, rural areas. For instance, in places like Nganjuk, large bags can make locals suspicious, as they may associate them with online lenders or bank agents. A small backpack helps me appear less intimidating and keeps my logistics manageable.
5. Stimuli (Physical or Digital, if Required)
Bringing stimuli, whether physical or digital, is essential for some research sessions. Stimuli help participants better visualize ideas, leading to more valuable feedback. Whether it’s a prototype, images, or digital content, having stimuli can spark deeper insights than simply relying on participants’ imaginations. For me, it’s a must-have when I believe it will enhance the research experience.
6. Laptop (Optional)
I rarely carry a laptop, as I usually complete my work back at the office. However, on occasion, I bring it along if I know I’ll need to work remotely after the research session. Having my laptop allows me to debrief immediately after a session, while everything is still fresh in my mind. Since I don’t have a research partner to rely on, this helps me stay organized and ensures that nothing important is forgotten.
7. Nametag
Finally, I always carry my name tag. This helps establish credibility and reassures participants that I’m representing an official organization. In some cases, people may be hesitant to engage without proof of my affiliation, so having my name tag visible or ready to show them can make all the difference.
Final Words
That’s my Everyday Carry (EDC) for research sessions. As you may notice, I don’t carry a notebook, pen, or any video recording equipment. This is because, as a solo researcher, managing all of that on my own is challenging. Using pen and paper has always been difficult for me — it’s easy to lose notes, hard to back them up to the cloud, and makes searching through my research repository inefficient. I also find it overwhelming to write, listen, and engage all at the same time, which often leads to confusion and headaches. So, I’ve embraced a different approach: instead of taking notes during the session, I focus on listening carefully and engaging with the participants, then debriefing and taking notes later using my audio recordings. It’s not a perfect system, but if you’re a solo researcher, I think you’ll understand the limitations we face.
I also don’t record video, mainly because it’s impractical to carry and set up, especially in unpredictable weather like rain. Instead, I rely on my smartphone to capture photos of artifacts. It’s lighter, more portable, and serves the purpose without adding extra logistical challenges.
That’s my EDC as a researcher — what’s yours? Share it in the comments, and feel free to ask any questions! I’d be happy to reply 👍🏻
