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Qualitative methods have an essential role to play in this enterprise, particularly in understanding user needs and behaviours and evaluating situated use of technology. There are, however, a huge number of qualitative methods, often minor variants of each other, and it can seem difficult to choose (or design) an appropriate method for a particular study. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> In this talk, I will present an approach to designing semi-structured qualitative studies, whether for gathering user requirements, evaluating the situated use of a new technology, or doing a research project on technology use in practice. Semi-structured qualitative studies occupy a space between ethnography and surveys, typically involving observations, interviews and similar methods for data gathering, and methods for analysis based on systematic coding of data. I take a pragmatic approach, focusing on principles for designing, conducting and reporting on a qualitative study and conversely, as a reader, assessing a study. The starting premise is that all studies have a purpose, and that methods need to address that purpose, taking into account practical considerations. I introduce various methods for conducting studies, whether in the workplace, people s homes, or out-and-about, and consider some of the pitfalls of designing and conducting studies that threaten their validity or utility. </div> </div> <div class="row lecture__section"> <h2>About this Lecture</h2> <span> <strong>Number of Slides: </strong> 35</span><br/> <span> <strong>Duration: </strong> 60 minutes </span><br/> <span> <strong>Languages Available: </strong> English</span><br/> <span> <strong>Last Updated: </strong> <span id="lecDate"></span> </span> </div> <div class="row lecture__section"> <h2>Request this Lecture</h2> <p>To request this particular lecture, please complete this <a href="https://services.acm.org/public/speakers/request_lecture.cfm?lecture_id=15787" target="_blank">online form.</a> </p> </div> <div class="row lecture__section"> <h2>Request a Tour</h2> <p>To request a tour with this speaker, please complete this <a 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