In contextual inquiry, we observe users working in their own environment so we can learn more about their work. Contextual inquiry is most useful during the requirements-gathering stage of a project.

In a contextual inquiry project, I lead the team through the following activities:

• Choosing the sites we'll visit
• Creating a focus -- a list of questions we want to research
• Training the observers how to gather data during a site visit
• Visiting sites, collecting data, and revising our focus questions in response to what we learn
• Categorizing and prioritizing the data we collect

Snyder Consulting * (603) 216-2255 * csnyder at snyderconsulting dot net

Services * Usability Testing * Paper Prototyping * Training

Content © 2000-2005 Snyder Consulting