🗣️ How to conduct qualitative studies for digital health technologies

Summary

• This guide demystifies how qualitative studies can support the design, development, and evaluation of digital health products.
• It emphasizes the value of understanding users’ experiences and behaviors, going beyond metrics to uncover the "why" behind engagement patterns.
• The resource supports innovators in choosing the right qualitative methods, from interviews to ethnography, and guides them through practical steps for execution.

What this carousel covers

• The role of qualitative research in exploring user needs, behaviors, and usability issues
• When and why to use methods like contextual inquiry, interviews, ethnography, focus groups, and usability testing
• How to formulate qualitative questions using the PCO framework
• A high-level overview of data analysis and reporting standards for qualitative research (e.g. COREQ)

Key takeaways

• Qualitative research is essential for understanding how users experience digital health products in real-world contexts
• Each method (e.g., contextual inquiry, focus groups) serves different purposes depending on the question and stage of development
• High-quality qualitative research can improve user experience, support DTAC compliance, and inform better product decisions
• A structured approach to data collection and analysis (e.g., thematic analysis) strengthens the credibility of findings

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