Enhancing Design Research Quality through an SSQS Checklist
Ann Blandford's Semi-Structured Qualitative Studies (SSQS) Checklist: A Guide for Transparent and Rigorous Qualitative Research in Human-Computer Interaction
Ann Blandford, Professor of Human Computer Interaction at University College London, has developed a checklist for Semi-Structured Qualitative Studies (SSQS) to ensure that qualitative research in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) is designed and reported with transparency and rigor.
The SSQS checklist covers key elements across four stages: planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting.
1. Planning the Study
- Research questions: Clearly define qualitative questions appropriate for semi-structured approaches.
- Rationale: Explain why a semi-structured qualitative method is suitable.
- Design: Describe the study design in detail, including sampling strategy and recruitment.
- Ethics: Address ethical considerations and approvals.
- Researcher role: Clarify the researcher’s role, reflexivity, and potential biases.
2. Data Collection
- Data types: Specify what data will be collected (e.g., interviews, observations).
- Instruments: Detail interview guides, prompts, and tools used.
- Data recording: Explain how data will be recorded (audio, notes, video).
- Environment & context: Describe the setting where data are collected.
- Participant engagement: Outline how participants are involved and their consent.
3. Data Analysis
- Approach: Define the chosen qualitative analysis method (thematic analysis, grounded theory, etc.).
- Process: Describe steps of coding, theme development, and validation.
- Researcher reflexivity: Address how the researcher’s perspectives influence analysis.
- Triangulation / validation: Include member checking, peer debriefing, or multiple coders if applicable.
4. Reporting
- Transparency: Provide rich descriptions of methods and findings.
- Participant voices: Use quotes or example data to exemplify themes.
- Limitations: Discuss the study’s limitations and transferability.
- Implications: Reflect on implications for theory, practice, or further research.
The checklist serves as a scaffold or reminder to ensure qualitative HCI studies are designed and reported with transparency and rigor, fostering good practices in the community. For the exact detailed checklist items or a published version, they are typically found in Ann Blandford’s work or associated teaching materials on qualitative methods in HCI.
If you are embarking on an SSQS study, consider using this checklist to optimize your design research techniques and maximize the project's value. The checklist can also be useful in other forms of research to ensure proper thought is given to the research and the way findings are reported, leading to stronger research results.
In the realm of UI design and interaction design for health-and-wellness applications or fitness-and-exercise platforms, researchers could employ Ann Blandford's SSQS checklist to ensure their qualitative research is as scientifically rigorous as possible, by following steps like specifying the suitable data types (e.g., interviews, observations), using clear research questions, addressing ethical considerations, and providing rich descriptions of their findings. A well-designed checklist helps foster good practices in the HCI community, leading to strong research results applicable not only to UI/UX but also to other forms of research in various industries.
