Braving Through Remote Work
“A diary study is a research method used to collect qualitative data about user behaviors, activities, and experiences over time. In a diary study, data is self-reported by participants longitudinally — that is, over an extended period of time that can range from a few days to even a month or longer. During the defined reporting period, study participants are asked to keep a diary and log specific information about activities being studied.”
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Design Process
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Empathise
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Define
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Ideate
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Prototype & Reiterate
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Test
Main Purpose
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To gain contextual understanding of user behaviors and experiences over time.
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To collect longitudinal and qualitative data.
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To understand how users feel, think and act.
Conduct when
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You are trying to understand the thought process and actions taken to come to a decision
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Direct observation might affect participant's behaviour
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You want to know more about the motive and intention behind the user's decision
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You want to gain insights user's usage scenarios.
General Steps
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Prepare and refine study's flow and research questions
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Determine duration of study to keep participants engaged
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Select a medium (Eg: Whatsapp, Wechat, etc.)
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Recruit participants and set expectations
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Post-study interview and data analysis
Tools to Conduct
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Google Forms
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Messenging apps such as Whatsapp, Telegram or even SMS.
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Pros of using messenging apps:
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Sense of familiarity
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Low/no budget costs incurred
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Script can be prepared beforehand
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Date and time of response can be accessed easily
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Case studies on Whatsapp and Wechat diary studies:
