Semi-structured interviews are like structured interviews in which predetermined questions and topics are implemented but in this format the interviewers and respondents are allowed to ask follow-up questions to get elaboration on responses. This flexibility allows for information that was thought not to be relevant by the respondent to be presented.

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- Structured
- Semi-structured
- Unstructured

Types of User Interviews

Unger, R., & Chandler, C. (2012). A project guide to UX design: For user experience designers in the field or in the making (2nd ed.). New Riders. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/1593419

A Project Guide to UX Design

Structured interviews can be akin to verbally administered questionnaires. Every question is asked, and every interview is conducted with the same structure for consistency. They are commonly used when particular questions need clarification or when there are literacy or numeracy issues with the respondents and can be completed quickly and with ease.

Structured User Interviews

Unstructured interviews take an approach in which the interviewer comes in with a lack of organization or preconceived beliefs. They are often time-consuming and arduous to manage. The interviewer allows the conversation to flow based on what the user wants to share about their experience, and the interviewer may follow up with probing questions.

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