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Method Overview

User Interview

One-on-one with your user​: uncover broad patterns and themes relating to people’s experiences & getting peoples’ “why” on your prototype and their user experience

Go to Guidelines

Work Illustration by Storyset

Method for all Phases
Suggested Time

30-45 minutes per interview (incl. warm up and wrap up)​

Level of UX Expertise

Low- Medium/High (depending on the type of interview)​

Materials

Interview guideline/script, note taking/recording tools, data analysis tools​

Participants

Interviewee, interviewer and notetaker ​

Must have
This method can be applied to all types of innovations.

Essential Reading
What

User interviews are one-on-one questioning sessions about a topic of interest to the user research (e.g. views on the current processes, common practices, feelings).​

How much time

Although the interview itself is usually one hour maximum, you should count with some days for preparing the interview guide and results organization.​

Who

Besides the interviewee and the interviewer, you should make sure to not have too many observers to make the interviewee feel comfortable. A notetaker gives the interviewer the freedom to build rapport and keep eye contact during the interview.​

Why

Different from observational methods or quantitative approaches, user interviews help you understand your users’ own thoughts, feelings and memories about a topic or product. ​

    When

    User interviews can be done during exploratory research, e.g. to design User personas and Experience maps. They can also be used at a later point in your User Research, to describe concrete processes and pain points in the users’ experience. Finally, they can be useful extensions to evaluative methods such as Usability Testing when you want to understand your users’ thought processes while using your product.​

    Why it’s useful

    Important tool to gather information on peoples’ individual views, opinions (compared to focus groups)​
    Quick and easy way to gather user data​

    Potential challenges

    The data collected will have to be set in context and be interpreted.
    You’ll get peoples’ opinion, not a prediction of their behavior: use triangulation to diversify your data and perspective​

     

    Is this for you?

    Get step-by-step guidance, expert tips and best practice examples for planning and conducting insightful User Interviews.

    Read Guidelines
    Other Methods

    Mariette McCampbell - Independent UX Researcher

    “User interviews are a versatile tool in the user-centered design process. They foster empathy, uncover insights into agricultural practices, digital experiences, and social dynamics. Additionally, interviews can help you gather feedback on your prototypes, addressing likes, dislikes, usability, and improvement areas, offering valuable insights for design and development.”
    Image by Mariette McCampbell

    Charlotte Schumann - Independent UX Researcher

    "User Interviews are paramount to understanding users' perceptions and semantic universe around a topic. Non-leading, open conversation styles can help you discover unexpected aspects of the challenge you are trying to solve for them."
    Image by Charlotte Schumann
    Why Researchers found this useful
    Image by Emmanuel Zapata

    Didn’t find what you were looking for?

    These are other evaluative methods that might be useful for your research.

    Experience Maps

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​

    User Persona

    Method aim: Planning
    Data type: behavioral​

    Field Observation

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​

    Diary Studies

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​

    Experience Maps

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​

    User Persona

    Method aim: Planning
    Data type: behavioral​

    Field Observation

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​

    Diary Studies

    Method aim: Data collection​
    Data type: behavioral​