18F

18F - Stakeholder And User Interviews

Stakeholder and user interviews are semi-structured conversations. Talk to people with direct knowledge of your project. Unlike surveys, interviews allow follow-up questions. Uncover unexpected insights. Learn the reasoning behind preferences. This 60-minute exercise covers interview planning, question design, listening, and synthesis. Balance structure (key topics) with flexibility (following threads). Cover stakeholder interviews (organizational context, constraints, success) and user interviews (needs, behaviors, pain points). Practice probing and note-taking. Capture what people say and what they mean.

Duration
1 hour
Group Size
2-3
Category
18F
Difficulty
Easy
Build consensus on the problem and research goals.
Interview insights from stakeholders and users. Rich qualitative data. A foundation for decisions.
Check your recording equipment beforehand. It's easy to forget! Some interviewees clam up when recorded, so be ready to pivot to notes only.

Additional Resources:

  • Interview checklist

  • Usability test guide template

  • Tips for capturing data from user interviews

  • Blog posts on building empathy with stakeholder interviews


Government Considerations: "No PRA implications.

  1. Create an interview guide with topics and questions.

  2. Conduct one-on-one or two-on-one interviews.

  3. Follow the participant's conversation. Use the guide to stay on track.

  4. Ask "why" and "how" questions.

  5. Optional: Observe stakeholders using competing products.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Interview guides

  • Recording equipment

  • Consent forms

  • Note-taking materials

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

Unlock Resources & Templates

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

18F - Comparative Analysis

3 hours

Comparative Analysis systematically reviews existing products, services, or experiences that address similar user needs. This exercise analyzes user e...

18f

18F - Multivariate Testing

3 hours

Multivariate testing helps you discover the most effective combination of page elements. Unlike A/B testing, which focuses on single-element variation...

18f

18F - Cognitive Walkthrough

1 hour

Cognitive Walkthrough is a usability evaluation method. Evaluators step through tasks as a user would. It focuses on the actions users take to accompl...

18f