Complexity and flexibility: interviews with three-generation families in their homes

In a study on urban greenspace use, we conducted one-on-one interviews with children, parents and grandparents living in multi-generational families; there were 15 families and 57 interviewees aged between 6 and 80 years. Although we set out to interview individuals, in practice, it became a fluid zooming in and out between different family members in a dynamic family environment. When preparing for this research, we could find no guidance related to the complex scenario of multiple-generation interviewing in family homes. Our research provides new insights into interviewing, quality of data expectations, fluid interview situations, the benefits and pitfalls of engaging in dynamic multifaceted family scenarios and ethical practices around consent, confidentiality, disruptions and disclosure associated with multi-generational family engagement. Flexibility and substantial interviewing experience are critical to success; this type of research we discovered is not for the faint of heart. Multi-generation living is growing, highlighting the need for further research into and guidance on multi-generational research that allows the voices of all the generations to be heard equitably and effectively. Such research will be vital for housing, planning, design and social policy-related professions which need to understand better the different values and needs present at different stages of life.