Observe user behaviors in context

Diary studies are a method in which participants are asked to record their interactions with a product over a period. The method provides a longitudinal view of how the product fits into the user's daily life. Here are some key points for conducting effective diary studies:

• Choose the right duration: Plan a study period that's long enough to gather necessary data but not so lengthy that participants lose interest.
• Recruit committed participants: Since diary studies need active involvement over time, careful recruitment is essential. Clearly communicate expectations and verify participants' availability for the entire study. Use screening questions to assess their commitment level.
• Monitor data continuously: As diary entries come in, especially digitally, review them promptly. This allows for timely follow-up questions and additional detail requests, capturing fresh reflections from participants.
• Conduct a pilot study: Before the full study, run a pilot to test your research design and materials. This shorter version will help fine-tune your study.^[1]