Interviews
Personal interviews are a key part of both Discovery and Assessment. In Discovery, we talk one-on-one with stakeholders in your organization who have an influence on or an interest in the user experience and the resulting product and business goals. During Assessment, interviews are useful to gain insight into end-user thinking, as a preparation stage for field research or focus groups or even to "check in" again with the business stakeholders.
Timing
Key stakeholders are usually identified during the project initiation meeting and interviews are scheduled immediately thereafter. During Assessment, interviews generally occur early on as preparation for more formal research activities.
Methodology
Interviews can be held face-to-face or more quickly by phone, depending on the need for speed, proximity of participants, budgets, access and complexity. The interview is usually conducted by a senior Macadamian Usability consultant with in-depth understanding of the business drivers behind user experience issues.
Benefits
- Creates a 360 degree view of how all stakeholders define goals and success
- Helps build consensus and validates the overall objectives
- Informs the goals and desired outcomes of focus groups, surveys and ethnographic research
- Provides the business platform for all further project activity
- Helps identify end-user perceptions and provides a context for research.
Duration
Typical personal interviews take under an hour to complete per person. Lapsed time depends on the number of interviews and the ability to schedule them early on. However, on average a week is required after the project initiation meeting. During Assessment, interviews are included in the duration of the formal research activity. It is critical to note that we will never reveal any information gleaned during interviews that identifies the interviewee unless express permission to do so is granted.