Version 23 October 2026. Allow 20–30 minutes for an initial draft; evidence collection takes longer.

This is a blank working tool. Replace the prompts with your own observations; do not treat an unanswered field as evidence.

Before the conversation

  • Who experiences the problem?
  • What do I need to learn?
  • How will I ask permission to take notes?
  • What will I avoid collecting or sharing?

Ask about a real occasion

  • Tell me about the last time this happened.
  • What were you trying to achieve?
  • What did you do first, and then?
  • What did the current approach cost in time, money or effort?
  • What alternatives have you already tried?

Keep the record honest

  • Observation or exact quote (with permission):
  • My interpretation:
  • What contradicts my assumption?
  • What remains unknown?
  • Permission and anonymity requirements:

Choose the next question

  • Pattern to investigate across more conversations:
  • Smallest next step:
  • Who will do it, and by when?