Qualitative HCI Research

This Synthesis Lecture examines the roles of qualitative methods in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research, including how to better understand user needs and behaviours and evaluate situated uses of technology. It demonstrates how qualitative methods allow researchers to ask questions where the answers are complex, nuanced, interesting and sometimes surprising. The authors draw on the analogy of documentary filmmaking, providing behind-the-scenes insight into the rarely discussed but essential work that produces quality results. While there are many “how to” guides for methods, few texts start by considering the purpose of a study and then discuss how to select a suitable method, adapt it to fit the study context, or deal with unanticipated challenges. This book addresses this gap by presenting a repertoire of qualitative techniques for understanding user needs, practices and experiences with technology to inform design. It also discusses practicalities such as tactics for recruiting participants, ways of getting started when faced with a pile of interview transcripts and considerations if using tools, including Artificial Intelligence tools, to support the research process. It focuses on semi-structured qualitative studies, which occupy a space between ethnography and surveys—typically involving observations, interviews and similar methods for data gathering, and methods of analysis based on systematic coding of data. Per the book’s central metaphor, a documentary team faces often unreported challenges when organizing expeditions and collecting and editing footage within time and budget constraints; similarly, a qualitative research team faces challenges in obtaining ethical clearance, recruiting participants, gathering and analysing data, choosing how and what to report, etc. The authors present examples drawn from lived experience to illustrate the practicalities of doing qualitative studies for interaction design. The book includes takeaway checklists for planning, conducting, reporting and evaluating semi-structured qualitative studies that provide readers with practical tools for their own practice.