My name is Olga and I’m an introvert.
Well, sort of. On a good day, I’m perfectly able to engage in effortless small talk. But on a bad day, in the words of Marina, “I wanna stay inside all day, I want the world to go away”. And yet, I’m an UX researcher, which means I got myself a job that makes me talk to people all the time. And somehow, I love it! Crazy, right?
If your goal is to gather as many insights as possible, you need to open your participant up. And how do you open someone up if you’re scared yourself? Here are some things I learned along the way that you might find helpful. Read on!
Be prepared
This one goes without saying, but I think it’s important to mention. You’re already stressing out about the whole talking-with-a-stranger situation, so you don’t need to add more to the pile. Make sure you’re familiar with the discussion guide (or if you are on your own with the project, write the discussion guide). Memorize formalities you have to say at the beginning. And in case you get nervous and your memory fails, have some notes on you that will help you go on.
“Memorize formalities you have to say at the beginning. And in case you get nervous and your memory fails, have some notes on you that will help you go on.”
It’s your territory
I used to be afraid of bugs and spiders when I was a kid. My dad used to tell me, “Look how tiny he is. He is more scared of you than you are of him”. The same goes for research participants. They find themselves in a strange environment, with a stranger asking them (often personal) questions.
When you enter the lab, you do so with a clear plan as to what happens next. Meanwhile, your participants have no clue what will happen. They are afraid they will be tested or judged somehow. Remember — you are in charge here.
Start off with an icebreaker
Now, this is always recommended as a way to open up a participant, but in our case, it serves you as much as it does them.
I usually start a chit-chat about the weather (I know, I know, very original, but I do my best to only use that in extreme weather conditions!) or how difficult it was for them to find the lab (it’s quite difficult to find the lab). With women, I tend to compliment their earrings or nail polish colour. This makes them start talking about where they bought it, while I update my shopping list. Win-win.
What else can you do? There are plenty of small talk topics, but you should definitely avoid those which are in any way controversial, such as politics, immigration, or, sometimes, sports — especially the local league.
You can also try and crack a joke, but it needs to be generic as hell. People get offended over many different topics, and the last thing you want is for your participant to feel offended by you.
Take breaks
If you’re an introvert, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re super shy, but it probably means that social interaction drains you. Therefore, it might be tempting to get done with your project quickly and run as many sessions per day as possible. I’ve been there and trust me, it’s not a good idea.
Be sure to give yourself time to rest. What I find optimal is to conduct 3 sessions per day at the most, with at least a 30-minute break between participants. However, if you prefer to limit the number of sessions or take longer breaks, go for it (as long as your employer allows it).
“If you’re an introvert, it might not mean that you’re super shy, but it probably means that social interaction drains you. So take breaks to help your energy levels.”
Try an unconventional approach
We usually meet participants in the lab, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only way to conduct an interview. If you are ready to get out of your comfort zone (literally), check with your participants to see how they’d prefer to talk to you.
Some participants, especially young people, will prefer to talk to you via an instant messaging app. Interviewing via, for example, Messenger will help them (and, honestly, you) feel more comfortable. It might also get you more insights, and a transcript that you can always go back to.
Last but not least
Make sure to pay or otherwise reward your participants. Every time I was afraid I would mess up, I remembered that those people were paid (quite a lot) to sit down with me. From experience as both a researcher and a participant — being paid makes people more patient and kind. They will want to help you. Use that to your advantage.
“From experience as both a researcher and a participant — being paid makes people more patient and kind. They will want to help you. Use that to your advantage.”
Originally posted on Olga Wojnarowska’s Medium page.
85 comments
My family members every time say that I am wasting my
time here at web, but I know I am getting experience daily by reading such fastidious articles
or reviews.
You made some good points there. I checked on the web
for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
It’s the little changes which will make the largest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
What’s up, always i used to check website posts here in the early
hours in the dawn, for the reason that i like to
gain knowledge of more and more.
This is my first time visit at here and i am in fact
happy to read all at one place.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all
of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write
content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind creating a post
or elaborating on many of the subjects you write with regards to here.
Again, awesome blog!
It’s awesome designed for me to have a site, which is beneficial for my knowledge.
thanks admin
Wonderful items from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff previous to
and you’re simply extremely wonderful. I really like
what you have obtained right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way during which
you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it wise.
I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is actually a
great web site.
I have learn a few good stuff here. Definitely price
bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to make one of these great informative site.
Hi, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts,
that’s truly excellent, keep up writing.
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this
web site.
You have made some good points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go
along with your views on this website.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and
I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and
we are looking to exchange methods with others, please shoot me
an e-mail if interested.
As the admin of this web page is working, no hesitation very rapidly it will be
famous, due to its feature contents.
Every weekend i used to visit this website, as i wish for enjoyment, since this this web page conations genuinely nice funny stuff too.
Hello there, I discovered your website by way of Google while searching for a related subject, your website got here up, it appears to be like great.
I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply changed into alert to your weblog through Google, and located
that it’s truly informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
I’ll appreciate in case you proceed this {in future}.
Numerous other folks will be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
It’s really very difficult in this full of activity life to
listen news on TV, thus I simply use internet for that purpose, and take the newest information.
Howdy! This article could not be written any better!
Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this post to him.
Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Thank you for sharing!
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the
net. I will recommend this blog!
Hello there! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for your great info
you have got right here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your site
for more soon.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the
same time as you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a weblog
site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear
concept
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was conducting a little homework on this.
And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it
for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks
for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to
discuss this subject here on your site.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am going through troubles with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anybody else having similar RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this
write-up very forced me to check out and do it!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, very great article.
I am sure this post has touched all the internet people,
its really really pleasant post on building up new web site.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your
website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit
more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Superb work!
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but
when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some
overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, fantastic blog!
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your blog.
It appears like some of the written text within your content
are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let
me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Cheers
This paragraph presents clear idea for the new
people of blogging, that in fact how to do blogging and site-building.
Great post however , I was wanting to know if you
could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Kudos!
Excellent blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing
like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like
you! Take care!!
Truly when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other
people that they will assist, so here it takes place.
If you are going for finest contents like me, simply visit this web page all the time as it presents feature contents, thanks
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just
your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
Nevertheless think of if you added some great images or video clips to give your
posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips,
this site could definitely be one of the best in its niche.
Good blog!
Your style is very unique in comparison to
other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
This web site really has all the info I wanted about this subject
and didn’t know who to ask.
Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and
wished to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your
blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you
write again very soon!
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just
your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
However think of if you added some great images or video clips
to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images
and clips, this website could definitely be one of the
best in its niche. Good blog!
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this web
site on regular basis to get updated from latest information.
It’s amazing to visit this site and reading the views of all
friends concerning this article, while I am also zealous
of getting experience.
Attractive portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your
web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually
loved account your blog posts. Anyway I will
be subscribing to your feeds and even I fulfillment you access constantly quickly.
Hi there, I believe your website could possibly be having internet browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however,
if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other than that, wonderful website!
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt
donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding
your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook
group. Chat soon!
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources
back to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from some
of the information you present here. Please let me know if this
okay with you. Many thanks!
I just like the helpful info you supply in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more here frequently.
I’m slightly sure I’ll be informed a lot of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the following!
I know this web page offers quality depending articles or
reviews and extra information, is there any other web
page which gives these information in quality?
I love what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys
to my own blogroll.
It’s very trouble-free to find out any topic on net as compared
to books, as I found this post at this website.
Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted
to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy
reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics?
Thanks a lot!
Great information. Lucky me I came across your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I have saved as a favorite for later!
What’s up to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and
your views are fastidious in favor of new people.
I’ll right away take hold of your rss as I can’t find your
e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly let me recognize so that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact
was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
This info is priceless. How can I find out more?
I have read so many content concerning the blogger lovers except this
piece of writing is in fact a good post, keep it up.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you just shared this
useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My blog looks weird when viewing from my apple
iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might
be able to correct this issue. If you have
any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!
I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your content.
This article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your website and keep checking for new
details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
Hello there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same
subjects? Thanks a lot!
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know so much about this, such
as you wrote the e book in it or something. I believe that you
simply can do with a few % to drive the message house
a bit, however other than that, that is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies therefore he must be visit this site
and be up to date all the time.
I am in fact happy to read this blog posts which includes plenty of valuable
facts, thanks for providing these kinds of information.
I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading very slow
for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend
who has been conducting a little research on this.
And he actually bought me breakfast because I found it
for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time
to talk about this topic here on your web site.
I visit day-to-day some sites and sites to read articles or reviews, but this blog provides quality based writing.
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your web site in internet explorer,
would check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a big
section of people will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.
Hey! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I
needed to ask. Does building a well-established blog such as yours require a
massive amount work? I am brand new to blogging however I do write
in my journal on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so
I will be able to share my personal experience and views online.
Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
Appreciate it!
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how could i subscribe
for a blog site? The account helped me a appropriate deal.
I were a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided brilliant transparent concept
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get
got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of information on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it
and in my view recommend to my friends. I am
confident they will be benefited from this site.
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks
once again.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to find out if its a problem
on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search
Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
If you know of any please share. Kudos!
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But
maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect
with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having
1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it
out better?
Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes
and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never
seem to get anything done.
Hi are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying
to get started and set up my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the site is
very good.
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid
to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other
sites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.