How do you keep interview notes from turning interpretation into quotation?

Mark the type of record

Difficulty arranging evenings does not necessarily mean disliking evening activities. Preserve the question being answered so the statement retains context. Ask permission before recording rather than treating accurate notes as automatic authorization.

Check before publishing

Compare any quotation with an authorized record and retain qualifications that affect meaning. Exclude names and private details outside the agreed scope. Without reliable wording, use a bounded summary or omit the passage.

A worksheet you can use

Wording or summary: __. Record type: __. Original question: __. Inference: __. Publication scope: __. Check needed: __.

Can I ask someone to pause?

Briefly explain what you want to confirm and respect a preference not to be recorded.

Evidence and scope

This worksheet is not a formal transcription standard. Accurate public quotation requires reliable records and suitable consent.

IDEO.org offers interview guidance. WKND scenarios are editorial, not endorsed. IDEO.org Design Kit — Interview

Sources and further reading

IDEO.org Design Kit — Interview

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