overview
Technique in which the researcher acts as an observer only, seeking to understand a user’s natural behavior without interruption or inquiry.
• Researchers prepare an observation guide that outlines the session objectives
• The researcher shadows the user throughout their workflow
• Observations are recorded as they are made, paying attention to the unexpected and unarticulated steps in the user’s process
• The observational data is collected and synthesized by the research team
Participants
Design team, 8-12 users
Duration
Varies by project
Result
Understanding of a user’s workflow and environment
Output
Quotes, audio, video, pictures
