Job diary is an ethnographic research method where participants record all their work activities in a log book for a week. The diary template is divided into location, time, activity, and special comments. The researcher identifies participants, briefs them on the process, analyzes the diaries to map goals and requirements, and identifies patterns and unseen needs. Job diaries allow researchers to understand user behavior and needs without being present, and provide user profiles, scenarios, and new product ideas. However, self-reported data can be uneven and participants may draw conclusions instead of just reporting experiences.

1. Work / Job Diaries Ethnographic Research Tools Shipra Gupta Sr. Usability Engineer Kern Communications Pvt. Ltd.