Luma

LUMA-Contextual Inquiry

People often do things differently than they say. Contextual inquiry puts you in the user's environment. Observe their work and ask questions as they do it. Learn by watching and asking questions on the spot. This reveals the real story behind their actions.

Duration
10 hours
Group Size
4-8
Category
Luma
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Observe users in their natural environment.

  • Ask questions while they work.

  • Learn through direct observation.

  • Reduce reliance on assumptions.

  • Uncover the real user experience.

  • Understand the user's context.

Outcomes

Participants will gain:

  • Practical contextual inquiry skills.

  • A deeper understanding of the user's environment.

  • Insights that lab research can't provide.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Select a location and participants.

  2. Prepare guiding questions.

  3. Travel to the user's workspace.

  4. Introduce yourself and the exercise.

  5. Ask the user to work as they normally would.

  6. Observe and ask questions during their work.

  7. Let the user guide the session.

  8. Record detailed notes.

  9. Thank the participants for their time.

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Facilitator Tips

Remember to be the apprentice. Ask "why" frequently to understand the reasoning behind actions. Avoid judgment and stay curious throughout the process. It's easy to fall into the trap of leading the witness, so be aware of that.

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


  • Recording equipment (audio or video).

  • Notebook for note-taking.

  • Question guide.

  • Consent forms.

  • Open mind.

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Resources & Templates

Contextual Design (Book)
The book by Holtzblatt and Beyer that introduced the contextual inquiry method.
Contextual Inquiry Analysis Worksheet
A worksheet to guide the analysis and interpretation of data from contextual inquiry.
Contextual Inquiry Guide
A comprehensive guide from the Nielsen Norman Group on how to conduct contextual inquiry.
Contextual Inquiry Planning Template
A template to help you plan and structure your contextual inquiry sessions.
Contextual Inquiry Workshop Template
A Miro template for a workshop to synthesize findings from contextual inquiry sessions.

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