Contextual inquiry is based on 4 principles:

• Context: The researcher should observe in the natural environment where the user typically works, avoiding labs or conference-rooms settings
• Partnership: The user and researcher are partners in the process of understanding the work. Both parties should be free to direct the conversation toward what needs to be considered
• Interpretation: The researcher should produce a comprehensive and shared interpretation for all important aspects of the work, aided by feedback from the user
• Focus: The researcher should understand the purpose of the research project and what information is needed. This understanding guides the observation and the interviews during sessions