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Glossaries

User Interview

What is a User Interview?

A user interview is a qualitative research method where a researcher asks questions to individual users to gather in-depth insights about their experiences, needs, and behaviors related to a product or service.

Synonyms: One-on-one user research, In-depth user conversations, User research interviews, Qualitative user feedback sessions

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Why User Interviews are Important

User interviews are crucial in user research because they provide direct, personal insights into users' thoughts, feelings, and motivations. They help product teams understand user needs, pain points, and preferences, which can inform design decisions and product strategy.

How to Conduct Effective User Interviews

  1. Prepare a script with open-ended questions
  2. Create a comfortable environment for the interviewee
  3. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions
  4. Take notes or record the session (with permission)
  5. Analyze the data to identify patterns and insights

Examples of User Interview Questions

  • "Can you walk me through how you typically use [product/service]?"
  • "What challenges do you face when trying to [accomplish a task]?"
  • "How does [product/service] fit into your daily routine?"
  • "What features do you find most valuable, and why?"

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long should a user interview last?: Typically, user interviews last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the scope of the research.
  • How many users should I interview?: The number can vary, but 5-10 users often provide enough insights to identify major patterns and issues.
  • Should user interviews be conducted in person or remotely?: Both methods can be effective. In-person interviews may offer more non-verbal cues, while remote interviews can be more convenient and allow for a broader geographical reach.
  • How do user interviews differ from focus groups?: User interviews are one-on-one conversations, allowing for more in-depth, personal insights, while focus groups involve multiple participants discussing together, which can generate different types of data.
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