Ask for the Last Time, Not the Ideal Answer

When researching a work problem, “Would you use this?” often invites a polished guess. A more useful starting point is a recent, concrete episode.

Try asking:

• “Tell me about the last time this happened.”
• “What did you do instead?”
• “What made that option worth the effort—or not worth it?”

Then separate what someone says they prefer from what they actually did, and from what remains unknown. A past workaround is evidence about one situation, not proof of future demand. But it gives a team something specific to investigate before committing time or resources.

The practical test: write down what decision the interview could change, and what answer would change it. If no plausible response would affect the decision, refine the question—or skip the interview. Research is useful when it can alter a choice, not merely decorate it.