Project 6: Contextual Inquiry

ROLE: UX researcher 

Led planning, moderated, assisted with analysis, assisted with reporting, presented to stakeholders

METHODS: Secondary research, primary research, interviews, contextual inquiry, prototype review, ideation, survey

OUTCOMES: Future product recommendations, increased engagement

TOOLS: Microsoft Office, video equipment

SKILLS: Logistics, strategy, planning, moderation, data analysis, reporting, leadership, client management & education, stakeholder presentation

When first kicking off this project, we reviewed the existing research and information available in order to understand the current feedback and challenges. We then used that information as we moved into the session planning phase. While the easiest way to conduct research on interfaces is to do it in the comforts of the lab, this project required something different. Instead of having our participants simulate welding, we decided it would be best to observe them welding to better understand the overall experience. 

Each 90-minute contextual inquiry session consisted of the following: 

• Qualitative interviews: At the beginning of each session, I asked each participant about their roles, the welding equipment they use, and their workstations.
• Contextual inquiry: Next, I asked the participant to spend 10 minutes or so doing their work as they would normally do it while I observed their procedures, parameters, and interaction with the welding machine interface. After they completed their project, I asked them to complete a series of tasks on their machines and describe any challenges they faced.
• Prototype review: Then, I showed the participant a high-fidelity prototype machine and asked them to provide feedback on the interface and controls after doing several tasks.
• Ideation: For the next part of the session, I showed them a series of interfaces on a mobile phone screen to get their feedback on each version and to spark additional ideas for the interfaces as we discussed next-generation possibilities.
• Quantitative survey: At the end of the session, I asked each participant to fill out a short questionnaire with rating questions and feedback so we could assess their overall sentiments, preferences, and needs. Due to the number of participants (n=12), the results from the survey were reported as directional feedback in a visual format.