Participatory visual methods are often promoted as a way to attend to power dynamics in research, as well as foster ownership and participant autonomy. However, what happens when these methods are conducted online? How can researchers foster safer online spaces that are accessible to people with different needs and circumstances? How does the online space introduce or complicate conceptions of equitable participation? In this episode, guests Dr. Keri-Lyn Durant and Dr. April Bell discuss their experience with hybrid and online facilitation of digital storytelling. They reflect on the practices of building trust, safety, and care when discussing sensitive or stigmatized topics - all of which contribute to a space of vulnerability where intimate stories are shared, and friendships are formed. While power dynamics between researcher and participants may remain, the guests describe how they ensure ethics and participant autonomy in the making and sharing of digital stories. By providing thoughtful questions and equity-informed practices, this episode will help support new and established visual methods practitioners create more equitable and accessible online spaces for participatory visual methods.

Conversation Outline:

• Introduction (0:00-3:27)
• Addressing the digital divide and balancing structure with flexibility (3:28-6:48)
• Fostering trust, safety, and care (6:49-14:24)
• Building a container of care for online spaces (14:25-19:31)
• Centering autonomy and addressing power dynamics in online spaces (19:32-33:09)
• The transformative impact of digital storytelling (33:10-35:03)

Referenced resource: Disrupting Death: Conversations about medicalassistance and dying [audio podcast]. https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/episodes.

Learn More:

• For more information on the project, to view theepisode transcript, and to learn more about online digital storytelling and photovoice, visit: aim4communityhealth.ca/exploring-participatory-visual-methods-online/
• For more on the Centre for Community BasedResearch

To cite this episode:

Martin, J. (Host). (2025, Apr 10). Equity and Accessibilityin Participatory Visual Methods for Online Spaces: A conversation with April Bell and Keri-Lyn Durant [audio podcast episode]. In Let Me Just Share My Screen. Production by Janna Martin, Centre for Community Based Research and Trillium Health Partners.

How do practitioners thoughtfully design photovoice, cellphilms and digital storytelling projects for online spaces? In this episode, host Francisco Ibáñez-Carrasco is joined by Dr. Katie MacEntee and Dr. Olivier Ferlatte for a rich and reflective conversation that walks listeners through the various dimensions of designing participatory visual methods for online environments. They explore how to onboard co-researchers and adapt to the challenges of this work online. They also dive into complex questions around ethics, visibility, and privacy. From the realities of funding and community accountability to moments of joy and creativity, this conversation is filled with practical insights and hard-earned lessons. Whether you're just starting out or deep into the planning of your own PVM project, tune in for an insightful and practical discussion!

Conversation Outline:

• Introduction: the what and why of participatory visual methods (0:00–5:36)
• Imperfection as part of the creative process (5:36–11:01)
• Designing for online spaces: Engagement, trust, and ethical considerations (11:02–22:42)
• Navigating funding, managing expectations, and staying joyful in the process (22:31–27:45)
• Advice and lessons learned: Reflections and practical tips for designing participatory visual methods in online spaces (27:46–35:11)

Further Resources:

Ferlatte, O., Karmann, J., Gariépy, G., Frohlich, K. L., Moullec, G., Lemieux, V., & Hébert, R. (2022). Virtual Photovoice With Older Adults: Methodological Reflections during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221095656 (Original work published 2022)

MacEntee, K., Burkholder, C., Schwab-Cartas, J. (eds) What’s a Cellphilm? Integrating Mobile Phone Technology into Participatory Visual Research and Activism. SensePublishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-573-9_1

To Cite this Podcast Episode:

Ibáñez-Carrasco, F. (Host). (2025, February). Designing participatory visual methods for online spaces: A conversation with Katie MacEntee and Olivier Ferlatte [audio podcast episode]. In Let Me Just Share My Screen. Production by Hani Sadati, Centre for Community Based Research and Trillium Health Partners.

Learn More:

• For more information on the project, to view the episode transcript, read guest bios, and to learn more about online digital storytelling and photovoice, visit the project website
• For more on the Centre for Community Based Research