Planned observation
Since I’m travelling by train a lot myself and I planned on a trip from Graz to Hamburg via train, I wanted to use the opportunity to conduct some research.
For that, I chose the method of observation, which is an effective and easy to realize way of gathering information and qualitative data. To do that effectively, the preparation beforehand should consist of defining goals, choosing the right setting without causing disruption and prepare tools for documentation. First, the research objective must be defined. For the project, the focus point is the observation of people’s actions in the surrounding of a German train station and also the physical design of those spaces. Additionally, the research goals must be defined under consideration of the research objective. There the goals are to find out more about user behavior, especially at train platforms, observe spatial organization and how the stations are designed, how signage systems are incorporated and used and lastly where potential pain points might lay.
Next is the selection of the right setting. Due to my travel plans my locations are going to be the train station in Augsburg and Hamburg. Those two match the description of German train stations and bring the advantages that I get to conduct my observations in two very different setting in size and location, and I might be able to compare my findings afterward. Since there are a lot of people going to be at the setting, the selection of participants won’t be necessary. Conducting the observations with not knowing participants will provide realistic and diverse output that reflects the real-life situation.
The last step is to plan the observation and to record data. The date for the research will be my travel days and to document my findings I plan to take notes both in physical and digital ways, but also to take pictures of the locations and their design and layout. After my trip has ended, I’m going to analyze my results and see if I can generate some general assumptions that will help my in the further course of the project (Williams, 2025).
Information Gathered
Through my research on the topic of observation I’m now able to conduct this method usefully and intentional to gather primary data that I can use for the further stretch of the project.
Next Steps
The next planned step is to conduct research by observing the train stations in Augsburg and Hamburg and documenting my findings.
Reference
Williams, B. (2025). Step-by-step guide to conducting observational research. Von Insight 7: https://insight7.io/step-by-step-guide-to-conducting-observational-research/ abgerufen
