User research is the cornerstone of developing meaningful solutions, and in the realm of caregiving, where empathy and understanding play pivotal roles, the need for a robust research plan becomes even more apparent. In this weeks blog post, I want to explain my choice in planning to conduct In-Depth User-Interviews and share the ongoing process of planning these interviews.
Why Interviews?
Interviews stand out as a prime method for gaining profound insights into the experiences of caregivers and those in need of care. Through careful questioning, researchers can unravel the intricacies of caregiving dynamics, accessing not only current thoughts but also tapping into deep-seated memories. The choice of interviews over methods like diary studies or user observation is grounded in the consideration of time constraints for caregivers and the sensitivity of the caregiving experience, making it a private and personal subject.
Target Stakeholders for Interviews
To ensure a holistic understanding, it’s crucial to interview a diverse set of stakeholders. This includes:
- Individual in Need of Care: Insights from the care recipient offer a unique perspective, shedding light on their feelings, needs, and challenges.
- Family Member of a Caregiver: Understanding the dynamics from the viewpoint of a family member provides valuable context and aids in comprehending the broader family impact.
- Caregivers (2-3): The core of caregiving insights comes from those on the frontline. Interviewing multiple caregivers ensures a spectrum of experiences and challenges are considered.
Developing a Screener: Selecting the Right Participants
The success of user research heavily depends on recruiting participants who align with the research objectives. A well-crafted screener helps filter and select the right candidates.
Main Criteria:
- Family Connection: Participants should have a family member in need of care, creating a direct link to the caregiving experience.
- Caregiver Status: Being a caregiver is a fundamental criterion, ensuring that insights come from individuals actively involved in the caregiving role.
- Caretaker Capacity: Mental capacity is crucial for meaningful interviews, ensuring participants can engage thoughtfully.
Desired Behavior: Participants should exhibit openness and communicative skills, fostering an environment conducive to sharing intimate caregiving experiences.
Relevant Experience: Having cared for a family member for at least a few months showcases a level of experience that adds depth to the insights.
Motivation and Skills: Motivations for participating in the research, such as seeking help, supporting a caregiver, or aiding their caregiver, are essential. Technical skills, especially for online interviews, ensure smooth interactions.
Life Stage Consideration: Participants from all life stages are relevant, as caregiving experiences vary across different phases of life.
Exclusion Criteria: Professional caregivers are excluded to maintain a focus on the family dynamic and personal caregiving experiences.
Crafting an Interactive Interview Guide
The interview guide functions as the guiding blueprint for my research interviews. While it is currently in the developmental phase, the primary structure and guiding principles have already been outlined. Let’s take a brief look at the key components:
Key Features:
- Interactive Elements: Leveraging tools like Miro boards fosters engagement and collaboration, making the interview a dynamic and participatory experience.
- Time Consideration: The interviews are structured to last between 30 to 60 minutes, ensuring a balance between depth and participant engagement.
- Main Structure:
- Introduction and Warm-up: Setting the tone for a comfortable and open conversation.
- Main Part: Featuring a mix of questions and interactive tasks to capture diverse facets of the caregiving experience.
- Wrap-up: Allowing for reflections, additional comments, and ensuring participants leave with a positive experience.
Completing the development of the interview guide involves conducting a thorough analysis of the services listed in the previous blog post. Drawing insights from the analysis and leveraging previously acquired knowledge on the subject of family caregiving, interview questions and tasks will be formulated.
