‘Second star to the right [of the universe], and straight on till morning’: following directions and finding new ones on international journeys in creative research methods

This Think Piece considers how we can retain the imagination, innovation and inspiration associated with creative research methods. It reflects on the salience of learning from research journeys so that, rather than residing in a Neverland where we never grow up, the craft of creative research can be developed, adapted and matured. The Think Piece explores the usefulness of creative approaches in study design, and for communicating with participants to ensure ethical practice. It also stresses the importance of acknowledging the epistemological foundations and disciplinary traditions of the creative techniques employed in contemporary studies. There is an engagement with creative data analysis and a focus on the ways in which multimodal forms dissemination can offer accessible and engaging formats for sharing research findings. The Think Piece concludes with an emphasis on the emotional impacts encountered in research journeys, and the need for the creative methods community to be welcoming, inquisitive and generous to each other in following directions and finding new ones that lead beyond the second star to the right [of the universe].