Glossaries
Open Questions
What are Open Questions in User Research?
Open questions in user research are questions that allow respondents to provide free-form answers in their own words, without predefined options or limitations. These questions encourage detailed, qualitative responses and are designed to gather rich, in-depth insights about users' thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Synonyms: Open-ended questions, Qualitative questions, Exploratory questions, Unstructured questions
Why Open Questions are Important in User Research
Open questions are crucial in user research because they provide deeper insights into user behavior, preferences, and motivations. Unlike closed questions, which limit responses to predefined options, open questions allow researchers to:
- Uncover unexpected information and new perspectives
- Gain a more nuanced understanding of user experiences
- Identify pain points and opportunities that may not have been considered
- Gather authentic user language and terminology
How to Use Open Questions Effectively
To maximize the value of open questions in user research:
- Start with broad, general questions to set the context
- Use follow-up questions to probe deeper into specific areas of interest
- Avoid leading questions that might bias responses
- Allow sufficient time for respondents to think and elaborate on their answers
- Use active listening techniques to encourage detailed responses
Examples of Open Questions in User Research
Here are some examples of effective open questions:
- "Can you walk me through how you typically use this product?"
- "What challenges do you face when trying to accomplish [specific task]?"
- "How does this feature make you feel, and why?"
- "If you could change one thing about this experience, what would it be and why?"
- "Can you tell me more about your thought process when you encountered this issue?"
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between open and closed questions?: Open questions allow for free-form responses, while closed questions have predefined answer options.
- When should I use open questions in user research?: Use open questions when you want to gather in-depth insights, explore new areas, or understand user motivations and feelings.
- How many open questions should I include in a user interview?: The number can vary, but typically 5-10 open questions are sufficient for a 30-60 minute interview, allowing time for follow-ups and detailed responses.
- How do I analyze responses to open questions?: Use qualitative analysis techniques such as thematic analysis, coding, or affinity mapping to identify patterns and insights from open question responses.