Dataset underlying the user study included in Chapter 3 of the PhD thesis "Flavobacteria across Time and Scale: Designing for Human-Microbe Engagement" by Clarice Risseeuw

This dataset contains interview transcripts from a user study evaluating FlavoMetrics, an open-source interactive digital tool for biodesign. FlavoMetrics enables designers to virtually inoculate iridescent Flavobacteria and manipulate stimuli to tune their living colour in a digital environment. The study investigated how digital tools can support the design process when working with diverse living microorganisms. Six biodesigners participated in the study, recruited from academia and professional design practice. Participants had between 3 and 8 years of experience working with living organisms, including cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and Flavobacteria. During the study, participants interacted with FlavoMetrics on an iPad, using either direct touch or a pencil. Following hands-on interaction with the tool, participants participated in interviews reflecting on their experience and on the role of interactive digital tools in biodesign practice. Analysis of the interviews addressed the potential of such tools in (1) understanding the spatiotemporal qualities of microorganisms beyond 2D, (2) biodesign education, and (3) experience prototyping with living artefacts.