97 Things Every UX Practitioner Should Know

Chapter 91. You Need Good Planning for a Diary Study

Mac Hasley

Diary studies take a lot of time, energy, and resources. They also give us a lot of findings, access, and intimate knowledge about someone’s day-to-day life. There’s a lot to consider when pulling together study logistics. Here’s some advice on how to deal with all those a lots.

Align Research Questions with a Diary’s Structure

Structure your study to take advantage of the “in the moment” capacity diaries offer.

Have participants complete a log entry or answer a few quick questions every time they complete a certain interaction. This immediacy is key to unveiling what’s new, interesting, and nuanced about an action. Often facets of experiences feel major in the moment but are forgotten upon reflection.

As you write a research question or hypothesis, decide on a corresponding trigger. That is, give participants a specific prompt that’s informative but not leading—that lets them know when to capture or document.

Set a Timeframe that Gathers Insights Before Participants Lose Interest

Even your most engaged participants will get sick of logging six months in. Ask yourself: “How long do I really need to run this study to get valuable findings?” And also: “How much data will I really have the time to tag, sort, and dig through?”

Choose the Right Tool for Your Goals, Budget, and Timeline

Now comes the critical moment ...