How to Conduct Field Research
A field guide to assist with user research
This Field Research Guide includes an interview protocol and a pre-visit workbook to support you in planning and running research during an onsite visit.
GOAL
Give structure and consistency to end-user interviews and observations
PARTICIPANTS
Designers, Business Leads
TIME NEEDED
1 - 2 days
PHASE
Discover
Before You Start
- Use the Explore phase to select the best innovation opportunities
- To make sure that you have identified and selected the best innovation opportunities according to your company’s strategic goals and objectives, we recommend you use the Explore phase methods suggested here:
Materials you will need
Templates for Download
Steps
Using the Field Research Guide includes several steps. It can take up to several days to complete them all.
Develop interview protocol
Develop an interview protocol that the team members all agree on. See the Interview Protocol example at the end of the Field Research Guide PDF.
Send workbook to customer
Send a workbook upfront to the customer/end-users to get a first feeling before the in-person visit. See the pre-visit workbook at the end of the Field Research Guide PDF (use download above).
Run the interviews
Pair up for interviews as an interviewer and a notetaker. Listen, be curious, and ask ‘why’. Be mindful of body language (your own and the interviewee’s).
Observe and record
When you have a chance to observe the user, take a lot of photos and videos (make sure you have permission to do so). Collect any artifacts relevant for your design challenge. Write down your impressions.
Do a debrief
Debrief with your team members after each interview and observation session. Discuss and write down your findings.
You're done!
You can use all your insights later and throughout the project to inform the design of the solution.