A Deep Dive into Diary Studies: Tools, Tips, and Techniques

Author: Pavithra Aravindan

In a recent talk, Nannearl LeKesia Brown, a UX researcher at Figma, outlined the intricacies of conducting diary studies, a form of longitudinal research. The video can be viewed here.

Diary studies span days, weeks, or even months, allowing researchers to gather qualitative data from participants without the pressure of real-time observation. This method originated with participants logging information in physical journals, which they would then send back to the researchers. Today’s approach leverages digital tools to streamline data collection and participant engagement.

Diary studies provide valuable insights into user behavior by allowing participants to capture their experiences in real-time. This method mitigates the discomfort often felt during direct observation. It can be particularly effective in remote work settings, where traditional observation is impractical.

Pros and Cons of Diary Studies

Pros:

• Digital Convenience: Researchers can gather data remotely, eliminating geographical constraints.
• Engages Participants: Diary studies foster a deeper connection between users and researchers.
• Longitudinal Insight: These studies draw out nuanced data over time that might be missed in a single session.

Cons:

• Resource Intensive: Analysis of diary studies often requires more effort and time.
• Engagement Drop-Off: Maintaining participant interest over long durations can be challenging.
• Not Timely: They are unsuitable for urgent research questions due to their extended timeline.

Tools for Diary Studies

Brown highlighted several tools that can aid in conducting diary studies effectively:

1. gScout: A popular platform in the U.S. for organizing diary studies, offering tools for analysis and synthesis.
2. Voxpopme: Allows participants to answer survey questions via video, adding a personal touch.
3. Obvi: Utilizes chatbots and text messaging to communicate with participants.
4. Google Docs, Slack, and Email: Basic tools can be repurposed for diary studies, facilitating communication and data collection.

In a recent diary study she conducted, Brown employed Slack as the primary communication medium. This approach simplified participant entry submissions and enhanced interaction dynamics.

Key Tips for Conducting Diary Studies

1. Preparation is Key: Planning and setting up the study beforehand can significantly enhance later stages. Brown suggested drafting daily messaging and questions before launching the study to streamline the process.

2. Add a Human Touch: Personalizing interactions with participants strengthens engagement. For her study, Brown onboarded participants by hosting a preliminary meeting where participants introduced themselves, fostering a sense of community.

3. Effective Communication: Clear communication about expectations is vital. Participants should know what information is required and how much detail is necessary. Brown emphasized the importance of open lines of communication to clarify concerns as they arose.

4. Gifting Strategy: Compensating participants throughout the study, rather than only at the end, enhances their feeling of appreciation. Brown’s team utilized personalized gifts based on the daily questions, which contributed to sustained engagement.

5. Solicit Feedback: At the study’s conclusion, gathering participant feedback is crucial. Brown advised keeping the feedback process simple, focusing on satisfaction and areas for improvement to refine future studies.

Brown’s example of creating an interactive calendar for daily questions illustrated how to maintain engagement throughout the study. Incorporating unexpected elements can prevent monotony and enrich participant experiences.

Conducting effective diary studies relies on meticulous planning, effective communication, and thoughtful engagement strategies. Tools are plentiful, but the human element remains pivotal to ensure participant satisfaction and comprehensive data collection. Implementing these strategies can lead to insightful results that inform user-centered design.