Diary studies are a contextual research methodology used to capture user behaviors, activities and experiences over a certain length of time. A diary study offers insights into participants lives, collect intimate qualitative insights outside of a “formal” research setting, and one of the best methods to capture data in the moment and in context.

• Observing the User Experience cites four main types of diary studies.
• Usage diaries: Document specific moments of interaction with a product or service. Examples include a website, restaurant, ATM, etc. Interactions can be organic—activities the participant would normally do—or activities that you specify.
• Spotter diaries: Identify where and how the presence of companies, products, or services matter in people’s lives. Spotter diaries map the place of these objects int he broader context of people’s lives.
• Process/purchase diaries: Follow activities that unfold over time and space. They involve longer narratives, such as buying a car.
• Behavior diaries: Exploratory in scope. Behavior diaries examine a range of activities or objects that comprise a specific topic. An example would be how participants deal with money—tools and activities of earning, spending, and saving.

Diary studies are a “poor man’s field study,” allowing researchers to “be there” without actually having to be there. It also can minimize the bias of “over-the-shoulder” observation. Diary studies allow researchers to capture natural behavior one wouldn’t necessarily provide in a moderated study or behavior that may only present itself in certain contexts (i.e. asking a user about their finances in an interview compared to on pay day may lend an entirely different response).

When might a diary study be a good fit?

• You’re curious about micro-moments and interactions that affect “big decision making.”
• You want to see a diversity of experiences, and learn how behaviors or perceptions change.
• You’re worried direct observers would influence behavior.
• You want to know more about what motivates someone to act.
• You want to know about behaviors that happen sporadically.
• You want to reach more sensitive populations, where direct observation isn’t an option.
• You are busy.
• You don’t have a budget for an onsite field study.
• You want a straightforward way to make an impact with your stakeholders.

When you should consider a different methodology?

• You have a more straightforward usability question.
• You need insights, like, yesterday.
• You have a (very) limited budget for recruiting or won’t be able to find enough participants.