Hi there!
Quick heads-up: I’ll be running a free webinar on Usability Testing next month—mark your calendar for June 25th. Details coming your way in early June 👀.
And that’s not all—I’ve got something exciting launching next month too. You’ll be the first to hear about it.
AI-generated image of a Researcher in-session
Once upon a time (read: pre-2020), in-person research was just… research.
Remote sessions? That was the exception, not the rule.
You’d find researchers popping up in libraries, public squares, coffee shops—anywhere they could talk to real people.
But the pandemic flipped that script. What was once the norm became niche. Now, many researchers have never even conducted an in-person session.
So, is it time to bring back in-person research?
Here’s what it still offers (in case you need a reminder):
Richer Context
You’re not just hearing what participants say, you’re seeing how they live, move, and interact with their environment.
Stronger Rapport
It’s easier to build trust when you’re in the same room.
Better for accessibility
For some people, meeting in their context is more inclusive than Zoom could ever be.
Non-verbal Cues
Body language and subtle reactions often get lost online.
That said…!
Of course, in-person research is not without trade-offs.
In-person sessions are usually more expensive and logistically tricky. But the quality of insight can be next-level.
So tell me, when was the last time you stepped into the field?
And if it’s been a while, what’s been holding you back?
🎯 What’s on my radar
Type: Article
Key Takeaway: Drawing from real experience within the UK justice system, this post explores how face-to-face research helps reach digitally excluded users and build deeper trust in sensitive contexts.
Type: Article
Key Takeaway: This article makes the case for hybrid research, using both in-person and remote research styles to balance depth with reach. Great for teams navigating budget constraints while aiming for robust insights.
Type: Article
Key Takeaway: Outwitly discusses the needed resurgence of in-person observations post-pandemic, highlighting their benefits in building trust with participants, facilitating smoother processes, and yielding more robust data and insights compared to virtual methods.
Big things coming in June—can’t wait to share more with you soon.
