Best Practices for Structuring Questions in UX User Interviews

Introduction

Interviewing users is a critical step towards understanding their needs and pain points. A well-structured interview can provide valuable insights that help in designing better user experiences. This guide will discuss the best practices for structuring questions in UX user interviews, from setting the right tone to asking the right questions.

Setting the Tone and Establishing Goals

The introduction sets the tone for the entire session and is crucial in ensuring that the user feels comfortable and engaged. A brief, clear introduction can help build trust and rapport with the interviewee. It is essential to establish a clear goal for the interview, whether it is to gather feedback on a particular feature or to understand user behavior. For example, if you are interviewing to understand user behavior, conduct a pilot study to approximate the time each interview will last. Setting realistic goals can help you plan the duration and structure of the interview effectively.

Transitioning from Broad to Structured Questions

Start with broad, open-ended questions to put the interviewee at ease and get them talking. Good questions are those that lead to stories rather than factual recall. Keep the questions short and clear, such as: "Tell me about your last experience using our product." Using a technique inspired by the 5 Whys method, ask 'why' questions to delve deeper into the user's experiences. Transition from these broad questions to more structured, targeted questions as the interview progresses. For instance, after understanding the user's experience, you can ask, "What was the most challenging part of using [the product/feature]?"

Avoid Leading and Biased Questions

When asking questions, avoid leading or biased questions that can influence the user's response. Common pitfalls include: Leading questions: Do you like our website? It has [positive attribute]! Closed / Binary questions: Is the website good or bad? Rhetorical questions: Is the internet ubiquitous? Instead, use open-ended questions that encourage the user to share detailed insights and experiences.

Enhancing Comfort and Engagement

Creating a comfortable environment is key to gaining honest and insightful responses. To make the interviewee comfortable, consider the following: Record the interview without making the user feel self-conscious. A small headset or a laptop microphone can help. Ensure the environment is quiet and free from distractions. Be patient and allow the user to answer in their own words.

Structuring a Questionnaire for User Surveys

Creating a structured questionnaire can help in gathering valuable feedback from users. Divide the questionnaire into three sections: User Profile/Demographics: Gather basic information about the user, such as age, gender, profession, and technology exposure. This information can help you create user personas. Understanding Pain Points: Ask questions that help you understand the user's current situation and the pain points they face with the product. For example, "Do you like to use the app? How frequently do you use it?" Preferences and Solutions: Ask the user about their preferences and the solutions they would like to see. This can provide insights into their expectations and help in designing user-friendly interventions.

Ensuring Quality Feedback and Clear Questioning

Include questions that provide closure to the questionnaire without adding redundant questions. Be concise and clear about the type of answer expected. For example, closed-ended questions with multiple choice, open-ended questions with paragraphs, and checkboxes for preferences. If the questionnaire is an online form, display the status to indicate progress. This helps maintain user engagement and encourages timely completion.

Conclusion

Interviewing users is an art that requires structure and technique. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your interview sessions are productive and insightful. Remember, the key is to make the user feel comfortable and engage them in storytelling, which leads to rich and meaningful feedback.

Further Reading

For more detailed guidance on structuring questions for UX user interviews, refer to the comprehensive guide available online. It includes free templates that you can download and use to enhance your interview process.

Keywords: UX interviews, user interviews, structured questions, open-ended questions, interview techniques