Methodological considerations in collaborative processes: a case of ethnographic action research

PurposeThis paper explores the role and implications of action research (AR) in collaboration and knowledge production between academia and health practices, in a project on lighting and low-vision rehabilitation.Design/methodology/approachThis ethnographic inquiry has explored the methodological considerations and actions taken in a project collaboration using a framework of co-productive research approaches and the science- and technology-inspired concept of staging.FindingsThree trajectories of inquiry, a roadmap, a theoretical model and a conceptual drawing, are shown to be important elements in the translation, operationalisation and dissemination of knowledge. Beyond creating an extended network, their trajectories reveal a fine-meshed interrelation within the project group that enables spaces for joint reflection, improvisation and resonance. The elasticity of the AR approach supports several smaller iterative processes that expand the frame of innovation and prepare for implementation across the low-vision rehabilitation community.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides insights into the knowledge production of multiple ontologies and epistemologies that are relevant to both social sciences and health sciences.Practical implicationsThe research unfolds otherwise hidden processes and implications of knowledge production.Social implicationsThis research enables and informs future collaborations to navigate and manage multiple complex realities.Originality/valueThe study provides unique perspectives of the practice of research collaboration and knowledge production that are useful for both academics and practitioners in many professional contexts.