A contextual inquiry is a research method used to understand users’ interactions with complex systems and in-depth processes. During a contextual inquiry, the researcher observes a participant performing a task, just like in the case of an ethnography study. However, here the researcher also asks follow-up questions to the participants to gain more insights into their actions.

For instance, a researcher may want to learn how users purchase from an online store. They may observe users looking through the available products, adding items to their cart, and eventually checking out. The researcher may then ask questions to clarify why they took a particular decision. For example, why did they add an item to their cart? What made them remove an item from their cart?

This method is not recommended for straightforward design tasks that don't require in-depth thought processes, such as designing a sign-up form or restructuring a product page.

With data from a contextual inquiry, you can determine user needs and user personas and lay the foundation for your product features, architecture, and content strategy.^[1]