Conversational Composites: Unexpected Layers

Book chapter, 2026

The conversational nature of sketches is a widespread topic of research. Understanding drawing as a cognitive activity is commonly accepted, and many of the most extensively used methods within Human–Computer Interaction recruit sketching as a technique for ideation, explanation, documentation, and conversation. To further develop the use of this illustration process as a tool of knowledge production, we suggested a novel sketching method. We presented Conversational Composites: a flexible method grounded in the material and tangible qualities of sketching in different forms and media, creating physical and digital layers of conversation between participants. We introduced and reflected on the proposed method through an applied case of a conversation between a PhD student and her supervisor. In this pictorial, the conversation is extended, and we discuss an unexpected case of when our method was introduced at a conference—specifically how biomaterials (SCOBY) started sketching and living with us. We also reflect on how layering of research and practice between projects can result in new learning.