Service Design Tools

Diary Study

Diary studies capture user activities, experiences, and thoughts over time. They're great for revealing behaviors and contexts you can't easily observe directly. Expect rich, longitudinal data.

Duration
24 hours
Group Size
8-12
Category
Service Design Tools
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Understand behavior patterns over time.

  • Capture contextual information about user experiences.

  • Gather insights difficult to observe directly.

  • Track changes and evolution in user behavior.

  • Understand triggers and influences on behavior.

  • Reduce recall bias in user research.

  • Document real-world usage and pain points.

Outcomes

You'll have a designed diary study, a longitudinal research plan, and rich behavioral data. Remember that some participants may drop off, so plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Define research objectives and timeframe.

  2. Design the diary format and prompts.

  3. Choose between digital or physical diaries.

  4. Recruit and brief participants.

  5. Provide clear instructions and examples.

  6. Set up regular check-ins with participants.

  7. Send reminders to maintain engagement.

  8. Collect entries regularly.

  9. Follow up with clarifying interviews.

  10. Analyze patterns across time and participants.

  11. Look for triggers, contexts, and changes.

  12. Synthesize insights for design implications.

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Facilitator Tips


  • Keep entry requirements simple and quick.

  • Provide examples of good diary entries.

  • Send timely reminders without being intrusive.

  • Be flexible with participants' schedules.

  • Look for patterns across multiple participants.

  • Follow up with interviews for clarification.

  • Consider cultural and contextual factors.

  • Plan for participant dropoff over time.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Diary templates or mobile app

  • Participant recruitment materials

  • Clear instruction guides

  • Reminder system (emails/notifications)

  • Incentives for completion

  • Analysis tools for qualitative data

  • Interview guides for follow-ups

  • Data storage and privacy tools

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Resources & Templates

Diary Studies Complete Guide - Looppanel
Complete guide to diary studies in UX research.
Diary Studies Guide - NN/g
NN/g guide to understanding long-term user behavior with diary studies.
Diary Studies UX Research Guide - User Interviews
Comprehensive guide to diary studies for UX research.
How to Plan and Run a UX Diary Study - Maze
Maze guide to planning and running diary studies in 5 steps.

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Discussion

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