Perspective Probe
Abstract
This case study describes a variation of cultural,
technology, and other probes, called a “perspective
probe.” The perspective probe consisted of multiple
activities that participants completed on their own and
then discussed with the researcher. The participant’s
responses to the individual activities added up to their
whole perspective. The probe’s activities helped guide
the conversation around a sensitive topic instead of
asking directly about it.
This paper illustrates how the perspective probe
methodology was used to gather information for Google
Finance. The focus is on the method rather than the
particular findings from the study. The perspective
probe methodology was useful in getting rich data from
participants and building a holistic understanding of the
participant’s perspective on a difficult topic, in this case
money and investing.
technology, and other probes, called a “perspective
probe.” The perspective probe consisted of multiple
activities that participants completed on their own and
then discussed with the researcher. The participant’s
responses to the individual activities added up to their
whole perspective. The probe’s activities helped guide
the conversation around a sensitive topic instead of
asking directly about it.
This paper illustrates how the perspective probe
methodology was used to gather information for Google
Finance. The focus is on the method rather than the
particular findings from the study. The perspective
probe methodology was useful in getting rich data from
participants and building a holistic understanding of the
participant’s perspective on a difficult topic, in this case
money and investing.
Research Areas
