Avoid general questions

Using open-ended questions during user interviews is key to gathering detailed insights, while closed questions often limit responses. Open questions invite participants to share their experiences and thoughts more fully, providing richer data. For example, instead of asking a closed question like, "Do you use a budgeting app?", you might ask, "How do you manage your personal finances?" The latter encourages the participant to elaborate on their habits and challenges.

Closed questions, such as "How many times a week do you use a fitness app?" typically lead to short, factual answers like "three times a week," without offering much context. On the opposite, asking, "Can you tell me about the last time you used a fitness app?" prompts the user to describe their recent experience, revealing more about their motivations and behaviors.^[1]