The document discusses user interviews as a method for gathering requirements. It notes that the main cost is the time spent conducting the interviews. It provides tips for various aspects of conducting successful interviews, including preparing well by defining goals and questions, conducting the interview by listening and observing, and reporting results by summarizing themes and including quotes. User interviews are described as an iterative process that provides insights directly from real users. Challenges include properly defining goals, crafting effective questions, and analyzing the data.

1. The User Interview
The only real cost is your time
Katherine Wahl
Usability Consultant, MIT
UPA 2012, Las Vegas

2. Versatility

3. Versatility: Location

4. Versatility: Format
¤ Questions
¤ Structured or unstructured
¤ Workflow or task oriented

5. Versatility: Format

6. Versatility: Timing
Project Timeline
Requirements Alpha/Beta
Prototyping, Release, QA,
gathering & Coding Docs &
spec creation design
Training

7. Preparation

8. Preparation: Goals
¤ Set reasonable goals
¤ Discuss them with your client
¤ Good chance to make clear what NOT to expect

9. Preparation: Participants
¤ Define your audience
¤ Pad your schedule
¤ Confirm your appointments

10. Preparation: Questions
¤ Draft and revise your questions
¤ Be mindful of bias
¤ Think about timing
¤ Know your material well

11. Preparation: Tools

12. The interview: Set expectations

13. The interview
¤ Listen
¤ Observe

14. The interview
¤ Clarify
¤ Record quotes

15. The interview: Be ready for surprises

16. Reporting
¤ Summarize major themes
¤ Include quotes
¤ Deliver results in person

17. Advantages: process
¤ Sessions can be set up and run quickly
¤ Open to an iterative process
¤ Not dependent on developers

18. Advantages: data
¤ Data is from real users
¤ Opportunity to develop a deep understanding of users

19. Challenges
¤ Defining goals
¤ Getting the questions right
¤ Listening carefully
¤ Analyzing the data

20. Things to remember
¤ Prepare thoroughly
¤ Listen carefully
¤ Record quotes accurately