DEAF INTERVIEWS (formalized)
As I was conducting interviews, I saw an opportunity for a new method of user research. I have coined the technique "Deaf Interview." Using this method you ask to interview a person on a specific topic, but pretending to be deaf and unable to read lips. This forces the interviewee to use alternative methods of communication such as diagraming, sketching, role playing, etc.
I have found this to be a fantastic tool for uncovering the structure of information within the person's mind on the topic discussed. You will observe heirarchy of information based on their use of word and image size. You will observe their understanding of relationships based on the information order, and proximity to other bits of information. You will observe what types of information (diagram, text, role playing) best displays each concept they discuss.
Due to the potential of this new form of user research, I decided to formalize the method. I have observed certain behavior, wording, tools and environment conditions produce the better results then others. Listed below are a few techniques vital for conducting a successful Deaf Interview
Deaf Interview Vital Techniques:
1) Be on the same side of the table as the person you are interviewing (probably the most important of all)
2) Before starting, explain that you will be pretending to be deaf during the duration of the interview. Be sure to include that you cannot read lips, but can read.
3) Also before starting, let them know they can draw, make hand guestures, act, and use props (they are more likely to use these techniques if you mention them).
4) Provide a wide variety of "ambiguous tools" such as paper (white and of varried color), pens and markers, and possibly boucy balls, popsicle sticks, and clay. (DO NOT: have literal tools such as a doll and dolls clothing it the topic is girl's toys. DO NOT: bring a pencil and an eraser)
5) Keep a running journal of the order in which they write/act/make guestures and of what they are trying to express.
6) Include in the journal how well the information is communicated.
7) Remain engaged with your interviewee and give them positive feed back through out (otherwise they will quit because this is a long and tedious task).
8) As soon as the interview is over, try to put their written/drawn pages in order.
9) This would be best done with a video camera if you have time (you would not need to take many notes, and instead remain engaded in the interaction).
10) Let them know they may stop as soon as they feel they have fully explained the topic.
I have found this to be a fantastic tool for uncovering the structure of information within the person's mind on the topic discussed. You will observe heirarchy of information based on their use of word and image size. You will observe their understanding of relationships based on the information order, and proximity to other bits of information. You will observe what types of information (diagram, text, role playing) best displays each concept they discuss.
Due to the potential of this new form of user research, I decided to formalize the method. I have observed certain behavior, wording, tools and environment conditions produce the better results then others. Listed below are a few techniques vital for conducting a successful Deaf Interview
Deaf Interview Vital Techniques:
1) Be on the same side of the table as the person you are interviewing (probably the most important of all)
2) Before starting, explain that you will be pretending to be deaf during the duration of the interview. Be sure to include that you cannot read lips, but can read.
3) Also before starting, let them know they can draw, make hand guestures, act, and use props (they are more likely to use these techniques if you mention them).
4) Provide a wide variety of "ambiguous tools" such as paper (white and of varried color), pens and markers, and possibly boucy balls, popsicle sticks, and clay. (DO NOT: have literal tools such as a doll and dolls clothing it the topic is girl's toys. DO NOT: bring a pencil and an eraser)
5) Keep a running journal of the order in which they write/act/make guestures and of what they are trying to express.
6) Include in the journal how well the information is communicated.
7) Remain engaged with your interviewee and give them positive feed back through out (otherwise they will quit because this is a long and tedious task).
8) As soon as the interview is over, try to put their written/drawn pages in order.
9) This would be best done with a video camera if you have time (you would not need to take many notes, and instead remain engaded in the interaction).
10) Let them know they may stop as soon as they feel they have fully explained the topic.
posted by Lauren Briana at 9:51 PM
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