Contextual Inquiry

 

Definition: an immersive technique of observation and interview that reveals what is underlying (and invisible) about some question. Contextual research should be done in the context of the person participating in the survey, at the moment he is doing his action, how working, using a certain service, performing some activities related to the question investigated. The transfer of knowledge about work structure happens more reliably when people talk about how they work while they do the work. As a result, the research data reliably reflects reality. This technique helps to understand what the impact and influence of culture on the job, and also the impact and influence of the physical environment on the job (MARTIN and HANINGTON, 2012, p.46).

The technique can also be used at the end of a community engagement process in order to evaluate the impacts of the developed solution (phase 5).

Objectives: explore the context, identify problems, and develop empathy.