During remote observations, how should participant engagement be encouraged?

Encouraging participant engagement during remote observations is best achieved by having them hold items to the screen. This approach creates an interactive environment where participants feel involved and can share their immediate thoughts and reactions. It allows observers to see the products or materials in question directly, fostering a more dynamic discussion. This tactile element can help participants express their opinions more effectively, leading to deeper insights and a better understanding of their perspectives.

In contrast, soliciting feedback only after sessions may lead to disengagement during the observation, as participants might not feel compelled to engage in the moment. Using digital polls can be useful, but relying solely on this method may miss the opportunity for deeper, qualitative feedback. Asking participants to complete forms separately could also lead to a lack of engagement, as it removes the immediacy of sharing thoughts in real-time and could be perceived as an additional chore rather than a collaborative discussion.