Attending this course and passing the exam earns 1 UX Certification credit, which also counts towards the optional UX Research Specialty.
Learn more about NN/g's UX Certification Program.
Context Methods: Ethnographic User Research
Conduct field research to collect insightful data about users in their own environment
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
In this course, you'll learn these things about context methods:
- When and why we use context methods
- Know the differences between contextual inquiry, field studies, and ethnography
- Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of contextual inquiries and diary studies
- When to use active versus passive contextual inquiry
- How to plan
- Determine research goals
- Pilot-test your study
- Recruit the right participants
- Interview questions
- Follow-up with your participants
- How to conduct
- Evaluate and choose the best tool for your needs
- Learn tips and tricks for running a successful contextual inquiry
- How to analyze the data and report your findings
- Two approaches to analysis: bottom-up versus top-down
- Code transcripts and move from description to interpretation
- Identify relationships and patterns between codes
- Conduct reflection sessions with your stakeholders
- Report and socialize your findings
Format
Format
The basis of the course is a lecture format with a couple of group exercises to reinforce the learned principles and guidelines. You will practice key skills for your own contextual inquiry during this course and receive expert feedback.
This course also includes:
- Videos of real contextual inquiry
- Contextual inquiry case studies
- Hands-on exercises with feedback from the instructor
- Materials for planning and executing your own sessions
- Opportunities to ask questions and get answers
Related Courses
Related Courses
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Context Methods: Ethnographic User Research (the course described on this page) |
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Related Series
Related Series
Many related topics are also mentioned in our Qualitative Research Series. In addition to contextual inquiry, the series also covers in-depth user research methodologies such as usability testing and user interviews. The series takes place over a longer period of time (5 consecutive half-days) and features two expert instructors instead of one.
UX Certification Credit
UX Certification Credit
Contextual research is essential to understand the thought processes of users and the underlying structure of their activities. Gather insights through contextual methods and use that data to fuel your product development, marketing, and business strategy.
This course covers two field methods: contextual inquiries and diary studies. In this course, we focus on efficient use of these methods to inform design.
There are known difficulties with direct observations and qualitative research in general. Without proper planning, field methods can be easily derailed by miscommunication and misunderstandings. Learn how to avoid those pitfalls and run a flawless contextual study.
Field methods are important tools for all UX researchers. Remember that your products and services are going to be used in the real world. Feel confident and prepared to go and meet your users!