The Importance of Contextual Inquiry in Design

Contextual inquiry is a vital method in medical device design that focuses on understanding the end user's environment and workflow. By observing users in their natural settings, designers can gather insights that cannot be captured through interviews alone, such as habitual workarounds or unconscious behaviors. This approach allows for the identification of user needs that are crucial for creating effective and intuitive medical devices. Ultimately, contextual inquiry not only enhances device safety but also fulfills user aspirations, leading to improved overall experiences and outcomes.