Glossaries
Depth Interviews
What are Depth Interviews in User Research?
Depth interviews are one-on-one, in-depth conversations between a researcher and a participant, designed to gather detailed insights about user experiences, behaviors, and attitudes in user research.
Synonyms: In-depth interviews, One-on-one interviews, Qualitative interviews, Individual interviews
Why Depth Interviews are Important in User Research
Depth interviews play a crucial role in user research by providing rich, qualitative data that can't be obtained through surveys or quantitative methods alone. They allow researchers to:
- Explore complex topics in detail
- Uncover underlying motivations and emotions
- Gather context-rich information about user experiences
- Identify unexpected insights and pain points
How to Conduct Effective Depth Interviews
To get the most out of depth interviews:
- Prepare a flexible interview guide
- Create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment
- Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses
- Practice active listening and follow up on interesting points
- Allow for silences to give participants time to think
- Record the interview (with permission) for later analysis
Examples of Depth Interview Questions in User Research
- "Can you walk me through your typical process for [specific task]?"
- "Tell me about a time when you encountered difficulties using [product/service]."
- "What factors influence your decision when choosing a [product/service] in this category?"
- "How does [product/service] fit into your daily routine?"
Frequently Asked Questions about Depth Interviews
- How long should a depth interview last?: Typically, depth interviews range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the topic and the participant's availability.
- How many participants do I need for depth interviews?: The number can vary, but 5-15 participants often provide sufficient insights for many user research projects.
- What's the difference between depth interviews and focus groups?: Depth interviews are one-on-one conversations, allowing for more in-depth exploration of individual experiences, while focus groups involve multiple participants discussing topics together.
- Can depth interviews be conducted remotely?: Yes, depth interviews can be effectively conducted remotely using video conferencing tools, although in-person interviews may offer additional benefits in terms of building rapport and observing non-verbal cues.
