Purpose: Observe and interview users in their natural work environment to understand authentic workflows, behaviors, and needs.
When to Use:
Key Benefits: ✓ See actual behavior vs. self-reported
✓ Understand context and constraints
✓ Discover workarounds and pain points
✓ Identify unspoken needs
Research Objectives Template:
Primary Goals:
- [ ] Understand [specific workflow/task]
- [ ] Identify pain points in [process]
- [ ] Discover workarounds for [challenge]
- [ ] Map tool/system usage patterns
- [ ] Understand environmental constraints
Key Questions:
1. [Question about workflow]
2. [Question about decisions]
3. [Question about tools/artifacts]
Success Criteria:
- Observe [X] complete workflow cycles
- Document [Y] types of tasks
- Understand decision-making for [Z] scenarios
Ideal Participants: