Adapting the World Café Method to an Online Format: Insights From Novice Qualitative Researchers

Abstract

The original World Café (WC), by Brown and Isaac, is a widely used data collection method in qualitative research across various settings and is typically conducted in person. However, during the spring 2020 semester, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to adapt our planned WC research project from an in-person to an online format using Zoom. Two online cafés were hosted with branch campus students of a large Midwest university during October, one in the morning (n=11) and one in the evening (n=7). This methods paper offers a concise overview of the WC method as an innovative approach to qualitative data collection in a branch campus college setting. We outline the original research plan, detail the adjustments made for online cafes, and summarize the outcomes of these virtual sessions. As novice qualitative researchers working with branch campus college students, we draw vital lessons from our experience with the WC. These lessons emphasize the importance of selecting a method suitable for the target audience and researchers’ expertise level. Active participation in one or more WCs before conducting a study proves invaluable, and we highlight the facilitative role of a graphic recorder in ensuring optimal engagement and effective member-checking.