How you take notes in SME interviews

[Aloi, Debby]

Carrie Baker asked . . .  
<When you interview programmers (or any other SMEs) about features you
have to document, do you make notes in a notebook and write them up,
or do you write directly into your computer> 

My current favorite is entering notes directly onto my laptop while
utilizing a recorder.  Have yet to have a SME of any type refuse to be
recorded when upfront I tell them how much time it will save them as I
can go back to the recording for clarity on items that I may have
missed.  Items that might have seemed not as significant due to my lack
of in-depth knowledge, which I learn, are quite important.  Explain that
the onus is on me to review the recording before calling or e-mailing
them back; thus a major time-saver for them.   

I have also used the old notebook/steno pad with a recorder; not nearly
as effective but it does work.  

Debby Aloi
Curriculum Developer & Trainer

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