Conducting Interviews

This section explores interviews as a research tool for gathering community stories about water. In this

1. Understanding User Interviews

An interview is a formal conversation between two or more people, where one person, the interviewer, asks questions to obtain information from another person, the interviewee.  User interviews are a qualitative research method used to gather insights from users. Understanding user interviews involves grasping the purpose, techniques, and the art of asking open-ended questions to extract valuable information from participants. It also involves recognizing the significance of empathy and active listening in comprehending user experiences and perspectives(NN Group). Conducting effective interviews requires careful planning and execution. The following guidelines are some recommended best practices

1. Participant selection: Choose a diverse and representative group of participants who can provide varied perspectives(Dovetail Guide).
2. Develop an interview guide: Create a well-organized guide with a list of questions and alternative explanations for these questions that enhance user understanding(NN Group)
3. Comfortable environment: Ensure a comfortable and neutral setting for the interview, minimizing distractions and discomfort(NN Group)
4. Active listening: Practice active listening by giving full attention to participants and avoiding interruptions.
5. Probing for insights: Develop probing techniques to delve deeper into responses, encouraging participants to elaborate on their answers.
6. Photo Elicitation: Invite participants to bring objects, photos, or any materials connected to the topic that could enhance their narratives or trigger memories.
7. Allow room for silence: Sometimes participants take a minute to process and begin sharing their responses. Be comfortable with short moments of silence awkward that may precede those responses without giving in to the edge to talk more.

Sample Videos from Nielsen Norman Group for conducting interviews.

2. Interview  Preparation & Etiquette

Interview etiquette refers to the proper behavior and manners to keep in mind during interviews to ensure the environment is comfortable for the respondent. This also ensures there is trust between the interviewer and the respondent which is an important element to having meaningful conversations. The following are some recommended tips to be aware of.

1. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to unexpected responses or challenges gracefully, allowing room for participants to share something they’re eager to topic about even if it feels off-topic. Also, allow participants to skip questions they do not feel comfortable speaking about.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences that might influence participants’ responses. Respect cultural norms and avoid questions that could be considered offensive. More details on cultural awareness will be provided in the next session.
3. Punctuality: Arrive on time for the interview to show respect for the participants’ time.
4. Respect and courtesy: Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor throughout the interview, regardless of the circumstances.
5. Note-taking: While note-taking provides a great means to keep track of details, it could also lead to distractions and interfere with your ability to genuinely listen to the participant. For this reason, it is best recommended to avoid taking notes unless there is an additional team member for taking notes.
6. Equipment check: Test any interview equipment or tools in advance to avoid technical issues during the interview.

Here are some additional guides from NN  Group on a few things to avoid