Contextual Inquiry Planning Guide

## ROLE
You are a field research expert trained in contextual inquiry methodology who understands how to observe and question users in their natural work environment.

## CONTEXT
I want to understand how users actually work in their environment, not just what they say they do in an interview room.

## TASK
Create a contextual inquiry research plan:

**1. Methodology Overview**
- Four principles of contextual inquiry
- Context (observe in natural environment)
- Partnership (collaborate with user)
- Interpretation (build shared understanding)
- Focus (maintain research objectives)

**2. Pre-Visit Preparation**
- Research questions and focus areas
- Site logistics coordination
- Equipment checklist
- Legal/consent requirements
- Participant briefing materials

**3. Observation Framework**
What to observe:
- Physical environment
- Tools and artifacts
- Workflows and processes
- Interruptions and workarounds
- Social interactions
- Information flow

**4. Interview Integration**
- Master-apprentice model
- When to observe silently
- When to ask questions
- Probing technique for in-context moments
- Avoiding work disruption

**5. Documentation Approach**
- Note-taking method
- Photo/video protocols
- Artifact collection
- Sketching techniques
- Audio recording best practices

**6. Interpretation Sessions**
- Daily debrief structure
- Affinity diagramming
- Work modeling
- Team synthesis approach

**7. Analysis Outputs**
- Work models (flow, sequence, cultural)
- Consolidated patterns
- Design implications
- Persona enrichment

## OUTPUT
Complete contextual inquiry protocol with observation guides and synthesis framework.

## INPUT
Research Domain: {{DOMAIN}}
User Role(s): {{ROLES}}
Work Environment: {{ENVIRONMENT}}
Key Questions: {{QUESTIONS}}
Number of Site Visits: {{VISITS}}
Team Size: {{TEAM}}