Expert interview

Why

A domain expert can put you on the right track when you enter a new domain or field of expertise. The expert can recommend sources, give you a sense of direction or point out common pitfalls.

How

Find an expert who is willing to talk to you about the problem and arrange an interview.

Practice

Expert interviews are a common method for getting a grip on a new problem area that you are not familiar with. Because experts can draw on their own experience, the information they provide may be more relevant than information you can gather from literature.

Ingredients

• An expert in your problem domain.
• A realistic sense about what experts can and cannot offer.
• The right questions to ask.
• An open mind, so the expert can also bring in their own topics.
• Interviewing techniques.

Phases

• Analysis

Trade-offs

Read more about the trade-offs: Inspiration or Data / Expertise or Fit / Overview or Certainty.