Research methodEstablished researchAdvanced
Diary Studies
Participants record their own experience over time, which captures things a single session cannot.
Definition
A diary study has participants log activities, thoughts or problems over days or weeks. It captures infrequent events, changes over time and the natural rhythm of use.
Established research. Originates in published research and has been replicated. The effect is real. Its size in your product still needs measuring.
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Running one
- Keep each entry under two minutes, or compliance collapses by the third day.
- Prompt at the right moment: triggered by an event where possible rather than at a fixed time.
- Allow the format participants find easiest: voice notes, photos, short text.
- Check in during the study, not only at the end.
- Follow up with interviews to explore what the entries show.
- Budget for attrition. Expect to lose a meaningful share of participants.
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Each link says what the connection is, so you can tell a principle from an alternative from a thing people mix this up with.
Applies when you are designing
Related concept
Connected closely enough to change how you apply this.
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