Sponsored by the British Academy, this research addresses the urgent need to develop a solid understanding of the unique experiences of young graduates as they transition to professionals while hybrid working (Hughes and Davis, 2024). Our study is based on a unique and robust multimodal dataset. To ensure richness of data and empower our participants, we combined in-depth interviewing with an innovative arts-based method of data collection that we developed specifically for this study – Multimodal Experiential Mapping (MEM). 

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Our dataset comprises 40 interviews (approximately 80 hours) and 40 multimodal experiential maps (400+ audio-visual items). The MEM method is inspired by visual methodologies - photo voice, participant-generated drawings and collages, but it adopts a digital approach to generating data. In this method, participants map their experiences by multimodal means in Padlet (a cloud-based platform), using tools that help they convey embodied experiences, such as photographs, MEMEs, GIFs, short videos, drawings, text, social media posts. 

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Our sample includes diverse voices, with participants from different ethnic and religious minority groups, employed in a variety of sectors and organisation types. Approximately half of our sample are UK nationals, the remainder are international graduates. We have presented our research at multiple international conferences. Both methods and empirical papers are in preparation for leading academic journals. We see multimodal research underpinning this study as offering a great potential not only for enriched (Boxenbaum et al, 2018) and inspired theorizing (Hansen et al, 2023) but also for public engagement.