Interviewing users is a critical method for discovering facts and opinions held by potential users of the system being designed. It is usually done by one interviewer speaking to one user at a time (interviewing more than five users at the same time is considered a Focus Group). Reports of interviews have to be carefully analyzed and targeted to ensure they make their impact.

Because of the one-to-one nature of the interview, the discussion can directly address the user's  individual concerns. User interviews are great during the following phases:

• Analysis Phase - To determine who the target audience should be and to determine up-front user requirements, preferences, features
• e.g.: Interviews of potential customers and during field studies or focus groups
• Design Phase - For feedback on early design concepts
• e.g.: Which  aspects of a concept prototype are appealing and why
• Post-Deployment - To better understand user reaction and adoption of a released product
• e.g.: Phone interview a targeted group of registered users