The Project Management Tool Kit: 100 Tips and Techniques for Getting the Job Done Right

Plan the Interview

Interviews are a technique for one-on-one user needs assessment. Some interviews are part of the interaction with specific individuals who are project stakeholders. Other interviews are more generic, as part of qualitative market research. Whatever the purpose, plan the interview(s), estimating the required time, skills, costs for travel, and other expenses. Determine how many interviews you will need to do; twenty to thirty interviews are typical for market research. Set up appointments with the individuals you need to meet with well in advance. Obtain and test a tape recorder to use during the interviews.

Define what you need to learn, and develop a discussion guide to use during interviews to ensure that you consistently ...