Conducting UX research interviews is both an art and a science. You need the curiosity of a detective, the empathy of a therapist, and the time management skills of a flight controller. No pressure, right? Whether you're a seasoned UX researcher or just getting your feet wet, following these best practices will help you run interviews that are smooth, insightful, and (mostly) stress-free.
Before the Interview
1. Send a Reminder
People are busy, and calendars are chaotic. Do your interviewees (and yourself) a favor by sending a friendly nudge a few hours before. Calendly or Google Calendar can automate this, so you don’t have to worry about it. Trust me—no one enjoys the awkward "Wait, was that today?" email.
2. Prep Your Space (and Yourself)
If you're doing an online interview, make sure your background isn’t showcasing your laundry pile or last night’s pizza box. Good lighting is key—no one wants to feel like they’re talking to a shadowy figure from a crime documentary. Even if your desk is out of view, a tidy space can help you focus.
3. Test Your Tech (Seriously, Do It)
Ever had a meeting where someone says, "Can you hear me now?" for five minutes straight? Don’t be that person.
- Test your recording tool—know where it saves files, how to start/stop, and how long it takes to fire up.
- Figure out your note-taking setup so you can maintain eye contact while jotting things down.
- If you’re showing a prototype, run through it first. Bonus points if you get a colleague to play guinea pig—they’ll likely catch the hiccups before your participant does.
4. Internet Check
If you're at home, you’re probably fine. But if you’re conducting an in-person interview at a coffee shop or co-working space, get there early to check the WiFi. Or better yet, do a dry run the day before. Nothing says "unprofessional" like dropping out mid-sentence.
5. Get Organized
- Open up relevant files ahead of time.
- Close all those random browser tabs (no one needs to see your latest online shopping spree).
- Make sure your desktop wallpaper is work-appropriate in case you need to share your screen.
- Dress appropriately—yes, even if you’re remote. You never know when you'll need to stand up unexpectedly!
During the Interview
1. Be Friendly, But Keep It Professional
Think of yourself as the cool but collected host of a talk show. Your job is to build rapport, make them feel at ease, and get them talking. Start with easy, judgment-free questions to get the ball rolling.
2. Ask Questions Like a Pro
- Talk slowly. Pause often. And don’t be afraid to "play dumb."
- If you think you know the answer, ask anyway—you’ll be surprised how often assumptions are wrong.
- Use phrases like "What do you mean by that?" or "Tell me more about that" to dig deeper. People love to elaborate if you give them the chance.
3. Get Comfortable With Awkward Silence
It might feel unnatural, but a little dead air is actually a good thing. After your interviewee answers, let their response hang in the air for a few extra beats (count to five in your head). More often than not, they’ll add extra detail to fill the silence.
4. Keep Things Moving
Some people LOVE to talk. While side stories can be goldmines, others can take you way off track. It’s your job to gently steer the conversation back on course. And whatever you do, don’t let the interview run over—wrap things up on time.
5. End on a High Note
No one likes a clunky goodbye. Ease into the ending by saying something like, "Just one last question before we wrap up…" Then, thank them genuinely for their time and ask if they have any final thoughts. A little courtesy goes a long way!
Taking Effective Notes (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
1. Bring a Note-Taking Buddy
If you can, have a colleague take notes so you can stay fully engaged. If you’re flying solo, jot down key takeaways right after the session—your brain will forget faster than you think.
2. Capture More Than Just Words
Words alone don’t tell the full story. Pay attention to tone, body language, and facial expressions. If your team takes notes collaboratively, consider using emojis or shorthand for emotions. (Example: 😕 = confusion, 😍 = enthusiasm.)
3. Pick a Note-Taking System and Stick With It
Some folks swear by Notion, others live by spreadsheets, and some prefer good old-fashioned sticky notes. Find what works for your team and keep it consistent—otherwise, synthesizing later will be a nightmare.
4. To record to not to record?
Recording is a bit of a hot topic. Some argue that no one ever revisits recordings, but here’s the thing: Having actual users talking about your product can be gold when shaping a roadmap. If nothing else, getting consent and hitting the record button takes minimal effort. That said, don’t rely on recordings—take solid notes so you’re not stuck rewatching interviews (because you probably won't).
Final Thoughts
UX research interviews can be a rollercoaster—part detective work, part improv, part therapy session. But with the right preparation, thoughtful questioning, and effective note-taking, you’ll walk away with game-changing insights. So go forth, ask great questions, and may your WiFi always be stable.
