Summary: Contextual inquiry is a UX research method where you shadow people as they do their job (or leisure tasks), allowing you to ask questions in context. This video provides advice on overcoming the main challenges with this method.
Through observation and collaborative interpretation, contextual inquiry uncovers hidden insights about customer’s work that may not be available through other research methods.
Video Author
Mayya “Maya” Azarova, Ph.D. is a User Experience Specialist with Nielsen Norman Group. Her areas of expertise include in-depth interviews, storytelling, design thinking, and contextual inquiries. She has published academic research on biometric technology, online collaboration, and multidisciplinary teamwork.