Contextual inquiry checklist: before, during, and after field sessions
A practical checklist for running contextual inquiry sessions in the field. Use it to make sure nothing falls through the cracks — from preparation to synthesis.
Before the study
- Research objective written as 3–5 specific focus areas
- Participants recruited: 4–8 users who perform the target task regularly
- Sessions scheduled during times when the task naturally occurs
- Permission obtained from managers, facility administrators, or household members
- Consent forms prepared (observation, recording, photography)
- Observation protocol created (focus areas, trigger questions, artifact checklist)
- Equipment ready: notebook, camera, audio recorder, charged batteries
- Travel logistics confirmed (addresses, parking, building access, contact numbers)
- Pilot session conducted with a colleague or friendly user to test the protocol
During each session
- Introduction delivered: explained purpose, established apprentice-master dynamic
- Consent obtained and recorded
- Brief initial interview completed (role, typical day, relationship to task)
- Transitioned to observation: user is performing real tasks
- Researcher is watching, not dominating the conversation
- Probing during natural pauses with retrospective questions
- Unexpected behaviors and workarounds noted and explored
- Artifacts photographed or documented (tools, notes, screens, printouts)
- Collaborative interpretation conducted in final 15–20 minutes
- Physical workspace layout sketched or photographed
After each session
- Expanded field notes written within 30 minutes
- Top 3 surprises and contradictions documented
- Audio transcription requested or reviewed
- Photos labeled and organized
- Observations compared with previous sessions for emerging patterns
After all sessions
- Affinity diagram built from all session observations
- Work models created (flow, sequence, artifact, physical)
- Insights written as observation + design implication
- Workarounds and shadow processes catalogued
- Report or presentation created, leading with observed evidence
- Findings shared with stakeholders
- Raw data archived securely