Monthly Method Spotlight: Contextual Inquiry

Contextual Inquiry

When/why: Contextual inquiries are more natural and sometimes more realistic as a result. They are also usually less formal and don’t use tasks or scripts.

How: Researchers watch & listen as users work in the user’s own environment instead of a lab.

Tips: Contextual inquiry can be combined with any number of other UX methods.

Interested in using/applying these methods in your work? Contact us for more info.

Usability: A 10-Piece Series by UX Passion

Over the course of several weeks, UX Passion published a 10-piece series of posts covering the following topics:

• Introduction to usability
• Setting goals
• Designing a test scenario
• Finding and recruiting participants
• Where should the tests be held
• Interaction with the user (Part 1 and Part 2)
• Data collection
• Contextual inquiry
• Conclusion

This series is a great introduction to the entire usability process complete with images, examples, steps, etc.