User Observation/Field Studies: Observing users as they work in a field study, and analyzing the data collected. Matt, Nick, Federico, and Curtis  {who observed us while we worked}

Who? Observational methods involve an investigator viewing users as they work in a field study, and taking notes on the activity that takes place.

How? Observation may be either direct, where the investigator is actually present during the task, or indirect, where the task is viewed by some other means such as through use of a video recorder. The method is useful early in user requirements specification for obtaining qualitative data. It is also useful for studying currently executed tasks and processes.

Benefits Allows the observer to view what users actually do in context. Allows the observer to view what users actually do in context. Direct observation: allows the investigator to focus attention on specific areas of interest. Direct observation: allows the investigator to focus attention on specific areas of interest. Indirect observation: captures activity that would otherwise have gone unrecorded or unnoticed. Indirect observation: captures activity that would otherwise have gone unrecorded or unnoticed.

Execution Make sure that those being observed are aware of the reason for your study and that they do not see you in negative terms. Make sure that those being observed are aware of the reason for your study and that they do not see you in negative terms. Run a pilot observation session to get a feel for what to expect and to test out any observation sheets. Run a pilot observation session to get a feel for what to expect and to test out any observation sheets. Try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Do not let yourself or your equipment get in the way. Try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Do not let yourself or your equipment get in the way.

Try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Note down any events that you do not understand and try to clarify them with the user as soon as the session is completed. Note down any events that you do not understand and try to clarify them with the user as soon as the session is completed. Try to be aware of the range of influences that are affecting the user. Try to be aware of the range of influences that are affecting the user. If possible photograph the users work area or the area of operation as this will act as a reminder of the environmental context. If possible photograph the users work area or the area of operation as this will act as a reminder of the environmental context. After your observations, write down your first impressions before the analysis stage later on. After your observations, write down your first impressions before the analysis stage later on.

Reporting Analyze, summarize, and report in relation to the objectives set out at the start.