Observation guide

• Determine the venue

  1. Consider who, what, and when the observation will take place

  2. Ensure the venue is within your limitations (e.g, logistical and financial consideration)
• Prepare how you will enter the field

  1. Decide how to present yourself (researcher, observer, participant)

  2. Handle issues that arise due to the venue

  3. Handle issues involving participants
• Identify the things to observe


  1. Look for people who stand out

  2. Observe the number of people entering/exiting the setting

  3. Observe personal space

  4. Observe behaviors

  5. Observe verbal/non-verbal interactions

  6. Observe appearance
• Prepare means of data collection and what type of data you will collect


  Decide what data type to collect (notes, videos, audio, formal and informal interviews, counts/frequency, process flows, or lists)
• Organize your data


  1. Capture data quickly and accurately

  2. Decide what devices to use

  3. Determine when to analyze the data
• Define how long the observation is

  1. Determine how long you need to get the data

  2. Decide if it will span multiple days
• Determine when you will exit

  1. Decide if you need to revisit

  2. Ensure your data is complete

  3. Thank your participants

  4. Get a contact file of the participants