This session marks the first class in a year-long learning series thoughtfully designed by the UX Research team. In today’s post, we’re diving into the fundamentals of user interviews through a fun, card-inspired approach.

Sulistyo Raharjo

UX Researcher

In our first Method Exploration session, we learned interview techniques through a fun Monopoly-inspired game, complete with cards, fake money, and zonks!

Beyond the fun, it was a hands-on way to practice interview goals, question types, and active listening.


This session was designed and conducted by our team members, Elvira Budi Irena and Sulistiyo Raharjo.

And here are what we learned....



01. Tips we learned on participant management

  • Try a 15-min intro call to validate fit and screen participants better.

  • Validate early: use voice notes or ask 3 high-level questions.

  • Last-minute cancel? Follow up via WhatsApp and remind them of the reward.



02. Wait, was that insight or just noise?

  • Align findings with research objectives—does it actually answer the goal?

  • If it’s interesting, ask: “What’s next?” (does it lead to an actionable area?)

  • Define noise clearly: is it irrelevant or not actionable?



03. Having unmotivated participants?

  • Ask energizing or personal questions to boost their mood or excitement.

  • If they don’t give insights anymore, end early, give reward, then try another participant.

  • Pre-screen with open-ended questions or casual chats to filter early.

Elvira Budi

Design Ops

04. Which one better, Interview vs Tools vs FGD?

  • General topics? Stick to verbal interviews.

  • Specific questions? Tools can help.

  • FGD? Use it when group dynamics matter or time is tight—but watch for bias!



05. Common interview challenges we faced

  • Leading questions? Stay aware, label them in analysis.

  • Inconsistent users? Use the Socratic method—ask why.

  • Contradictions? Triangulate data and listen closely.



06. Reporting and analysis tips

  • Affinity diagrams help make sense of chaos.

  • Use tools like FigJam or mind maps.

  • Start messy: dump notes in a doc, then synthesize later.

  • Abductive thinking = your secret muscle!



See u in the next learing 👋