While taking notes during the interview may sound like a good idea, it's actually not. Studies show that multitasking hinders work performance, especially if the tasks are complex and require our active attention — as in the case of engaging listening.^[1] During an interview, you want to focus on the user, not on your notes. Not to mention that note-taking can make some people nervous.

The best option is to bring in a dedicated notetaker who can concentrate solely on capturing and organizing insights. Don't forget to introduce them to participants at the beginning of the interview. If you're meeting remotely, you can mute them right after the introduction.

If you absolutely have to take notes at the same time as your interview, make sure that you are recording the interview. In this case, write down keyword-related insights with timestamps in the video. But generally, try to minimize note-taking during user interviews.