Understanding Context of Use Methods in UX Research

Philip Burgess
Aug 14
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader

In UX research, context is everything. A design might perform beautifully in a lab test, but in the real world—where distractions, time pressure, and environment-specific challenges exist—its effectiveness can change dramatically. That’s where Context of Use methods come in. They focus on studying users in the environments, situations, and conditions in which they will actually use a product.

What Is "Context of Use"?

The context of use refers to the specific conditions in which users interact with a product, including:

Users – their roles, skills, demographics, and motivations.
Tasks – what they’re trying to accomplish and how often they do it.
Equipment – the hardware, software, tools, or devices used.
Environment – physical setting, lighting, noise levels, social factors, and even emotional state.

Understanding these elements helps researchers uncover real-world constraints and opportunities that aren’t visible in controlled usability tests.

Why Context of Use Matters

Reveals Real-World Friction: A mobile app might seem intuitive in a quiet office but fail during a noisy commute with intermittent internet.
Improves Accessibility: Knowing physical and environmental factors ensures designs work for all users, including those with disabilities or situational impairments.
Informs Design Decisions: Designers can prioritize features and interactions based on real-life constraints.
Boosts Adoption & Satisfaction: Products that fit seamlessly into a user’s workflow and environment are more likely to succeed.

Common Context of Use Methods in UX Research

1. Field Studies / Ethnographic Research

Researchers observe and sometimes participate in the user’s natural environment.

When to Use: Early in the design process to build empathy and discover unmet needs.
Example: Observing how nurses record patient information during night shifts in a busy hospital ward.
Drawback: Time-intensive and may require significant stakeholder buy-in.

2. Contextual Inquiry

A semi-structured interview combined with observation, conducted in the user’s environment.

When to Use: To understand workflows, pain points, and tool usage.
Example: Sitting with a warehouse worker to see how they scan and log inventory.
Drawback: Requires skilled moderation to avoid influencing behavior.

3. Diary Studies

Users self-report their activities, environment, and challenges over time.

When to Use: To capture context over extended periods or in situations where observation isn’t possible.
Example: Asking commuters to log their mobile banking usage over two weeks, noting location, connectivity, and mood.
Drawback: Relies on participant accuracy and consistency.

4. Remote Contextual Testing

Using remote usability testing platforms that allow participants to complete tasks in their own environment, sometimes with webcam and screen recording.

When to Use: For geographically dispersed audiences or during rapid iteration.
Example: Testing a retail app’s checkout process with participants shopping at home or in-store.
Drawback: Limited environmental observation compared to in-person visits.

5. Environmental Simulation

Re-creating key environmental factors in a lab setting—lighting, noise, interruptions—to mimic real-world conditions.

When to Use: When field research is impractical but environmental constraints matter.
Example: Testing a delivery driver’s navigation app in a driving simulator with simulated traffic noise.
Drawback: Can never fully replicate real-world unpredictability.

Best Practices for Context of Use Research

Define the Boundaries: Identify which environmental and situational factors matter most for the product.
Blend Methods: Combine observation, interviews, and self-reporting for a fuller picture.
Capture Rich Detail: Take photos, videos, and notes—sensory details often reveal hidden usability challenges.
Involve Stakeholders Early: Bringing product managers or engineers into field visits increases buy-in for design changes.
Respect Privacy & Ethics: Real-world settings often involve sensitive data or private environments; handle accordingly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overgeneralizing: One user’s context may not represent all users—sample broadly.
Ignoring Edge Cases: Extreme environments (low connectivity, poor lighting, high stress) can be critical for certain use cases.
Treating Context as Static: Context can evolve over time—update your understanding as user behavior and environments change.
Relying Only on Lab Data: Lab-based usability testing should be complemented with in-context insights.

Conclusion

Context of Use methods bring UX research closer to reality. By studying how, where, and under what conditions users interact with a product, researchers can uncover friction points and opportunities that might otherwise be invisible. When applied effectively, these methods ensure that designs not only work—but thrive—in the real world.