Diary Studies
Collect user experiences over time through self-reported entries to understand long-term usage patterns.
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
mediumModerate investment needed
Timeline
long2-8 weeks
Team Size
smallWorks with 2-3 people
Research Goals
exploratory evaluation
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Captures real-world usage over time
- ✓ Reveals patterns and pain points
- ✓ Less intrusive than direct observation
- ✓ Provides contextual insights
Cons
- × Relies on participant commitment
- × Data quality depends on user diligence
- × Analysis can be time-consuming
- × Participant dropout can be high
Use Cases
Example Scenario
Understanding how users interact with a fitness app over a 30-day period to identify usage patterns and abandonment points.
Additional Applications
- • Product usage tracking
- • Behavior patterns over time
- • Emotional responses to products
- • Feature adoption tracking