360-degree ethnography: affordances and limitations in place-centric research

Abstract

This article investigates the evolving methodology of 360-degree video-ethnography, particularly in qualitative inquiries concerning the interconnectedness of individuals and their surroundings. It delineates some unique affordances of 360-degree videos in capturing multimodal elements and interpreting environments within place-centric research frameworks. Drawing from empirical observations and related literature, the authors explore key aspects of serendipity, unobtrusiveness and engagement that are facilitated by 360-degree video and VR headmounted displays (VR-HMD). Employing the ‘Rebuilding a Sense of Place (REPLACE)’ research project as a case study, this work elucidates some methodological and practical complexities of employing 360-degree video-ethnography to investigate community resilience post-natural disasters in Italy. The article concludes by advocating for continued inquiry into the dynamic landscape of 360-degree video-ethnography, emphasizing its evolving role in knowledge production and representation of space and place heritage.