Participant observation, Chelski style 5 September, 2007
If you’ve read more than just this post (hurrah for The Subscriber), you’ll know that I believe a little research can go a long way. I also believe in democratising research, especially in team settings, so that everyone can learn. This story in the Daily Mail shows that anyone can get into the field and start learning about their customers.
Abramovich’s wife goes undercover as she learns how to run a hotel chain
Irina recently paid a number of visits to the chic Mayfair establishment Brown’s…, not as a guest – but as an undercover trainee. The elegant Russian has embarked on secret ‘work experience’ at the five-star hotel.
You don’t have to be a trained user researcher or a billionairess to live in your user’s shoes (although either helps), you just have to be willing to get out there and meet with them; to be open to what they’ve got to teach you.
So what are you waiting for?