This study enabled us to process data into meaningful information which allowed us to understand the themes classified under categories. The information that has been obtained through this study has led us to understand that the research method of diary studies is, in fact, a reliable method which absorbs a fair amount of data and enables researchers to make assumptions that are more reliable and can certainly help to make fairly calculated assumption based on first-hand information collected from real-world users.
However, we feel that this study could have been enriched with more data had there been more participants, which could not be achieved in this study because of time constraints. For instance, employing a bigger number of participants would have allowed diversity in the qualitative data. There were useful learnings that were discovered with the help of this study. Following a pre-decided plan along and having a clearly defined purpose helped articulate and document the study in a methodical manner.
The data obtained from the users was filtered, analysed and then processed using the affinity diagramming exercise which helped us understand the behavioural aspects as well as the user needs, goals, frustrations, pain-points etc. Using the affinity diagramming activity, we grouped insights and discoveries into various groups such as needs, pain-points, behaviours and positive experiences. The findings among the categories were then sub-grouped on the basis of the various factors which underlined our themes. Themes pertaining to various factors such as money, safety, comfort,
flexibility and time were found as a result of the affinity diagramming activity. The framing of these themes allowed us to understand their relations with each other and allowed us to interpret the data to explore the possible solutions. We also found scope for opportunities upon identification of themes, behaviours and needs of the participants.
Conducting the study was challenging at some points but the challenges themselves are a great learning experience. Some minor difficulties with the participants such as overthinking, short or indescriptive answers, forgetfulness were the challenges faced while collecting the data for diary studies.
The information helped us to understand the situation and identify the gaps that exist between the user’s needs and their goals when choosing an alternative to commute via public transport. To round it up, the overall experience was really insightful and has motivated us to conduct studies in a better manner, incorporating the opportunities that we may have missed out on along with things that we feel have scope for improvement. If we were to take up this study for an official study, there would’ve been a plan of action to be taken as the next steps in order to guide the direction of the report. Had this study been assigned as part of a real-world project, we would have dived into finer aspects by conducting ethnographic studies, conducting interviews with people etc. in order to widen the scope of the study and discover associated issues that may have had a direct or indirect impact on the overall outcome of the study.