Episode 280: User Interviewing Techniques with Steve Portigal
Mar 8, 2024
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In this discussion, Steve Portigal, a seasoned user research consultant and author of "Interviewing Users," shares invaluable insights into effective user interviewing techniques. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, including crafting insightful interview guides and understanding participant dynamics. Steve highlights the duality of excitement and anxiety in interviews and offers tips on reading non-verbal cues. He also compares the roles of a podcast host and a research interviewer, and stresses the need for ethical sensitivity while building meaningful connections with users.
Preparing for user interviews with clear objectives and a flexible guide is essential to adapt and gather valuable insights.
Recognizing behavior cues and varying response styles enhances engagement, allowing researchers to facilitate deeper discussions and understanding.
Deep dives
The Evolution of User Research
The guest shares his journey into user research dating back before the web, highlighting the initial lack of established concepts such as UX. He describes the innovative approach taken by his early consultancy, focused on understanding user needs before product development. This involved observing users in various scenarios, such as meal preparation and technology setups, to derive insights that could inform design processes. His extensive experience, accumulated over 25 years, has shaped his understanding of user research's critical role in product development despite the evolving landscape of the field.
Nervousness and Adaptation in Interviewing
Even seasoned researchers experience nervousness before the first interview of a series, viewing it as a prototype where preparation meets uncertainty. This nervousness is likened to the anticipation of whether the interview will yield valuable insights, reflecting the researcher’s commitment to understanding user needs. The conversation reveals that each interview can lead down unexpected paths, and the ability to adapt is crucial for success. The speaker emphasizes that the excitement and learning that follow the initial nerves are integral to the interviewing process.
Preparing for a Successful Research Interview
Effective research begins with clear objectives that define both business challenges and research questions. Identifying the right participants is crucial for gathering relevant insights, and managing participant expectations can set the tone for productive interactions. The speaker outlines the importance of having a guide that provides a structured approach to questioning while allowing room for improvisation. This preparation helps to ensure the researcher remains focused and can adapt dynamically throughout the conversation.
Navigating Interview Dynamics
Researchers often encounter varying response styles from participants, including verbose answers and succinct responses, requiring adaptive strategies. The discussion focuses on the importance of recognizing cues, such as body language and tone, to foster deeper engagement and insights. Probing for clarity without pushing boundaries is emphasized as a balancing act that enhances the quality of data collected. By acknowledging participants' contributions and asking the right follow-up questions, researchers can cultivate richer narratives that illuminate user experiences.
Ready to learn tricks of the trade from professional user researchers? Our guest today is Steve Portigal, user research consultant and author of Interviewing Users. You’ll learn how to prepare for a user interview, what your interview guide should contain, behavior cues to look out for, and more.
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