38. User Interviews (feat. Steve Portigal, Research Consultant and Author)

In this episode, we dive into User Interviews with Steve Portigal, discussing their critical role in product development and design research. User interviews, a qualitative method, involve conversations with users to gather insights about their experiences, behaviors, and needs. We discuss the benefits of this approach, such as deep user empathy and informed decision making, alongside common challenges like bias and recruitment. Join us in understanding when to use user interviews and how to get the most out of them.
NN/g ARTICLES & TRAINING COURSES
User Interviews (full-day/2 half-day UXC course) - www.nngroup.com/courses/user-...
User Interviews 101 (free article) - www.nngroup.com/articles/user...
The 3 Types of User Interviews: Structured, Semi-Structured, and Unstructured (free video) - www.nngroup.com/videos/3-type...
When to Use Which User-Experience Research Methods (free article) - www.nngroup.com/articles/whic...
5 Facilitation Mistakes to Avoid During User Interviews (free article) - www.nngroup.com/articles/inte...
Learn more about Steve Portigal:
⁠Learn more about Steve Portigal - portigal.com/
Interviewing Users (2nd Edition) 20% discount code: interviewing - rosenfeldmedia.com/books/inte...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
0:42 What is a User Interview
5:32 Steve’s Journey
8:54 Why to Choose User Interviews
15:35 When to Choose Other Methods
19:56 What has Changed in User Interviews
26:34 Remote User Interviews
32:49 What has NOT Changed in User Interviews
35:13 Improving User Interview Skills
44:34 Subscribe & Find More NN/g Content

[@annaklaus8377]

Super-useful, thank you. I relate to both your Kryptonite tendencies: wanting to make interviewees more comfortable by suggesting answers or sharing something about myself. Born out of a desire to lesson the imposition /audacity of my asking personal questions.

[@axelhunger]

I possess the book concerning interview V1, however, not V2.

[@annaklaus8377]

I'd be interested in reading up on the experts mentioned, could you add literature tips in the description by any chance? Im familiar with Kate Towsey, but not the writer on which ux method to use in which situation. Many thanks!

[@NNgroup]

Steve referred to Christian Rohrer's article "When to Use Which User-Experience Research Methods." Here's the link: www.nngroup.com/articles/which-ux-research-methods/

[@aguillermo2498]

Did interviewer suppose to talk less than interviewee?

[@annaklaus8377]

My understanding is the interviewer should talk as little as possible, to give the interviewee room to expand on their points and get to the nuggets of information hidden behind the obvious.