Services > Contextual Assessments / Ethnographic Studies / Field Observations

Description

Contextual assessments, also known as ethnographic studies or field observations, consist of observing users in their natural environment. This technique is most effective in the early stages of development, because it helps determine the key issues related to a product's use. This approach can also help inform a product's development when all that exists is the idea of a product that might satisfy a user's specific need.

In a contextual assessment, participants are observed using the product or system as they normally would in their real environment. They are also interviewed about the ways they use the product or system. As part of the observation, Klein Research photographs and takes note of the physical objects and characteristics of the user's environment.

Number of participants

There is no set number of participants required for a contextual assessment, and the number is often dictated by the client's timeline or budget. However, the broader variety of users that can be observed and interviewed, the more comprehensive findings will be. It is important to find participants who match the target audience but who also have a variety of personal and professional backgrounds.

Deliverables

Two findings reports are produced: the high-level summary of findings and the detailed results. Both reports summarize and analyze data gathered in the contextual assessment. The detailed results document can include a set of recommendations for improving the product or system or a set of ideas on what the product should include if tested in the early stages of development.

The findings reports are typically delivered in Word or PDF format. If requested, summarized findings and recommendations can be developed into a PowerPoint presentation.

Timeline

Klein Research can commence a contextual assessment in as few as ten business days after receiving a purchase commitment. In most cases, this lead time is directly related to the time required to find and schedule appropriate participants. The time required to conduct the study can vary depending on the number of participants scheduled and the distance between interview locations.

The high-level summary of findings is available four to five business days after the study dates. The full set of findings, the detailed results document, (which includes participant comments, photographs, screenshots, and Klein Research's recommendations) is available 15 business days after the study dates.