Week in the life

What is this method?

"Week in the life" is a visual, hands-on activity that helps people share their everyday experiences through creating personal timelines. It's an engaging way to understand how people spend their time, what support they receive, and what matters most to them.

Why use this method?

• Visual and creative
• Hands-on activity
• Works for different communication levels
• Creates meaningful discussion
• Captures real-life experiences
• Makes abstract concepts concrete
• Can be personalised easily
• Creates a lasting record

When to use it

Perfect for understanding

• Daily routines and activities
• Service usage patterns
• Support needs assessment
• Community participation
• Social connections
• Choice and control
• Barriers and challenges
• Activity preferences
• Transport needs
• Time management

Running a session

What you'll need

Essential materials

• Large paper (A3 minimum or flip chart paper)
• Various pictures and symbols: magazine cutouts, activity cards, personal photos (if participants wish to bring them), symbol sets familiar to participants
• Coloured marker pens
• Glue sticks
• Stickers (smiley faces, hearts, stars)
• Scissors
• Blank cards for drawing

Support materials

• Communication aids
• Visual timetables
• Quiet space materials
• Sensory items
• Camera (for recording finished work)
• Consent forms

Session structure

1. Preparation (20 minutes)

• Set up accessible workspace
• Arrange materials within reach
• Display example timeline
• Prepare quiet space
• Set out communication supports
• Organise images by category

2. Introduction (15 minutes)

• Explain the activity using visual examples
• Show sample timeline
• Demonstrate how to choose and place activities
• Explain timing markers (morning, afternoon, evening)
• Set ground rules
• Get consent for photography

3. Creating timelines (45 to 60 minutes)

Step 1: choosing activities

• Browse available images
• Select relevant activities
• Draw missing activities
• Consider different times of day and week

Step 2: building the timeline

• Arrange activities chronologically
• Add timing markers
• Include regular activities
• Show different days of the week

Step 3: adding detail

• Mark locations
• Show who helps
• Indicate transport used
• Note choice levels
• Add emotional responses

Step 4: highlighting preferences

• Use stickers for favourite activities
• Mark challenging times
• Show what works well
• Indicate desired changes

Making it accessible

Adaptations

• Use photos of the participant's actual activities
• Include tactile elements
• Create digital versions
• Use a talking mats approach
• Break into smaller steps
• Provide scribing support

Communication support

• Symbol supported instructions
• Choice boards
• Yes/no indicators
• Communication passports
• Break cards
• Alternative pointing methods

Discussion prompts

Basic questions

• "What do you do first each day?"
• "Who helps you with this?"
• "Where does this happen?"
• "How do you get there?"
• "What happens next?"

Deeper exploration

• "Which activities do you choose yourself?"
• "What support makes things easier?"
• "What makes some activities difficult?"
• "Who are your favourite people to do things with?"
• "What would make your week better?"

Service-focused questions

• "Which services do you use?"
• "How do they help you?"
• "What works well?"
• "What could be better?"
• "What extra support would help?"

Using the information

During the session

• Take photos of completed timelines
• Note key discussion points
• Record specific challenges
• Capture positive experiences
• Document support needs

After the session

• Create accessible summaries
• Share findings appropriately
• Identify service improvements
• Plan follow up actions
• Feed into service design

Success tips

• Prepare plenty of relevant images
• Allow enough time
• Follow the participant's pace
• Value all contributions
• Keep it relaxed and fun
• Be flexible with the format
• Celebrate completion
• Show how the information helps

Privacy and consent

• Get clear consent for photography
• Respect private information
• Store data securely
• Share appropriately
• Let participants keep their work

Remember, every timeline tells an important story that can help improve services.