Luma

LUMA - Fly-On-The-Wall Observation

Observing beats asking sometimes. Watch without interfering to see what people *actually* do, not what they *say* they do. Blend in. Watch natural behavior. This gives you authentic insights you can't get any other way.

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
15-25
Category
Luma
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Observe natural behavior.

  • Notice real actions.

  • Study real environments.

  • Identify workflows and patterns.

  • Avoid disrupting activities.

  • Gather authentic insights.

Outcomes

Participants gain:

  • Improved observation skills for unobtrusive research.

  • Actionable insights from observing natural behavior.

  • Rich qualitative field data.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Choose your focus.

  2. Plan the observation session.

  3. Decide who and what to watch specifically.

  4. Select observation location(s).

  5. Obtain necessary permissions.

  6. Prepare note-taking method.

  7. Observe quietly and unobtrusively.

  8. Record detailed observations.

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Facilitator Tips


  • Blend into the environment.

  • Maintain objectivity; avoid assumptions.

  • Observe from various perspectives to gain a comprehensive view.

  • Refrain from interfering with the observed activities, even if it's tempting to 'help'.

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


  • Camera.

  • Notebook.

  • Permission forms (if needed).

  • Observation template (optional).

  • Multiple vantage points.

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Resources & Templates

Ethnographic Research Guide
A guide to ethnographic research, which often employs fly-on-the-wall observation techniques.
Observation Field Guide
A guide on different methods of observation in user research, including the fly-on-the-wall approach.
Observation Notes Template
A template for taking structured notes during a fly-on-the-wall observation session.
Observation Synthesis Worksheet
A worksheet to help you synthesize and find patterns in your observation notes.
The "POEMS" Framework for Observation
A guide to the POEMS (People, Objects, Environments, Messages, Services) framework for structuring observations.

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