Contextual Inquiry

Observe and interview users in their natural environment while they perform tasks to understand context of use.

Research Classification

Research Type

Attitudinal Behavioral

Behavioral: Focuses on what people do: their actual behaviors and actions.

Data Type

Qualitative Quantitative

Qualitative: Collects non-numerical data like observations, interviews, and open-ended responses.

Requirements

Budget

high

Significant investment required

Timeline

medium

2-4 weeks

Team Size

small

Works with 2-3 people

Research Goals

exploratory generative

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Reveals real-world context and behaviors
  • ✓ Uncovers unarticulated needs
  • ✓ Combines observation with inquiry
  • ✓ Builds deep user empathy

Cons

  • × Time-intensive to conduct and analyze
  • × Requires access to users' environments
  • × Observer presence may affect behavior
  • × Scheduling can be challenging

Use Cases

Example Scenario

Observing and interviewing accountants during tax season to understand how they use financial software in their workflow.

Additional Applications

  • • Workplace process analysis
  • • Home technology usage
  • • Professional tool evaluation