01 / THE IDEA
What does it mean?
Contextual inquiry combines in-context observation with questions, uncovering environmental constraints that people may forget to mention.
02 / IN PRACTICE
Make it concrete.
Illustrative example: A warehouse software designer watches staff scan boxes while wearing gloves and switching tasks.
03 / WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A common mistake.
Asking participants only what they think they do instead of observing.
04 / WHEN IT HELPS
When should you use it?
When a product supports complex or physical workflows.
05 / FURTHER READING
Explore the source.
Nielsen Norman Group — Contextual Inquiry ↗A reference for further learning, not an endorsement or verbatim quotation.