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Observations

Observations are a powerful method for gaining insights into people, products, or systems. As a creative technologist, you often design interactive products, and careful observation helps you understand the real-world context in which your technology will live. By closely watching behavior, interaction, or how something works (without interfering) you can identify needs, spot issues, or learn from existing patterns.

Observations are not just for researchers. As a creative technologist, you can use them to improve your design process, ground your assumptions, and create more relevant outcomes. The key is traceability: your observations need to be well-documented so they don’t get confused with assumptions or personal opinions.

Starting Point

  • Before you start: Write down why you want to observe. What are you trying to learn? For example: “How do people interact with a smart display in a public space?” or “What happens when users scan a QR code on a product?”
  • Choose a situation that connects to your brief or user group. This could be a specific place, time, or interaction (e.g. public transport, checkout at a shop, installing a device).
  • Observation in User Research - Interaction Design Foundation
  • Try a 10-minute silent observation in a public space. Focus only on what you can see and hear — avoid interpreting too early.

Key Points

  • Clearly separate what you see (objective) from what you assume (subjective).
  • Include the full context: date, time, location, environment.
  • Keep raw materials (photos, notes, video, audio) and organize them in a structured log.
  • Use your observations as evidence when making design or development choices, not just as inspiration.
  • Reflect on your presence: how might you, as an observer, change the behavior you’re trying to study?