Kontekstitutkimus

Kontekstitutkimus, often translated as contextual research or contextual inquiry, is a user research methodology primarily used in the field of design and product development. Its core principle is to understand users and their needs by observing and interacting with them in their natural environment. This approach emphasizes gathering rich, qualitative data that reflects the real-world context of use, rather than relying solely on artificial laboratory settings or self-reported information.

The methodology typically involves a combination of observation and interviewing. Researchers immerse themselves in the user's environment, whether it be a home, workplace, or other relevant setting, to witness firsthand how they perform tasks, interact with products or systems, and what challenges they face. During these observations, researchers engage users in conversations to clarify their actions, understand their motivations, and uncover implicit needs that users might not articulate otherwise. This blend of "doing" and "talking" allows for a deep understanding of the user's workflow, pain points, and workarounds.

Kontekstitutkimus is particularly valuable when designing complex systems, products for specific professional domains, or when seeking to uncover unmet needs. By grounding the research in the user's reality, designers and developers can gain insights that lead to more user-centered, effective, and innovative solutions. The data collected often takes the form of notes, photographs, video recordings, and user artifacts, which are then analyzed to identify patterns and themes.