'%3e%3cpath%20d='M7%2010C8.65685%2010%2010%208.65685%2010%207C10%205.34315%208.65685%204%207%204C5.34315%204%204%205.34315%204%207C4%208.65685%205.34315%2010%207%2010Z'%20stroke='%234FA49A'%20stroke-width='1.92'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M10.5%207.2002H19.2C21.856%207.2002%2024%209.3442%2024%2012.0002C24%2014.6562%2021.856%2016.8002%2019.2%2016.8002H12.8C10.144%2016.8002%208%2018.9442%208%2021.6002C8%2024.2562%2010.144%2026.4002%2012.8%2026.4002H20.8'%20stroke='%234FA49A'%20stroke-width='2.2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M22.3882%2029.4343C22.1221%2029.6265%2021.8905%2029.7226%2021.6933%2029.7226C21.511%2029.7226%2021.3681%2029.6437%2021.2646%2029.486C21.1611%2029.3283%2021.1094%2029.0992%2021.1094%2028.7986V24.0159C21.1094%2023.7153%2021.1611%2023.4837%2021.2646%2023.3211C21.3681%2023.1585%2021.511%2023.0771%2021.6933%2023.0771C21.8905%2023.0771%2022.1196%2023.1683%2022.3808%2023.3507L25.6481%2025.6939C25.9437%2025.9058%2026.0916%2026.1399%2026.0916%2026.3962C26.0916%2026.6426%2025.9487%2026.8692%2025.6628%2027.0762L22.3882%2029.4343Z'%20fill='%234FA49A'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_11502_53067'%3e%3crect%20width='32'%20height='32'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
UX Researchers and Product Managers
Preparing a discussion guide for a new product discovery phase
Use cases
About
The User interviews mind map template is a professional framework designed for UX researchers, product managers, and designers to conduct high-quality qualitative research. Covering 33 distinct nodes across a structured single-sheet layout, this User interviews cheat sheet provides a clear contrast between effective and ineffective questioning techniques. It serves as a practical User interviews template by categorizing interview behaviors into six primary branches: Not So Good, Good, Open, Close, Avoid at any cost, and Goal. By focusing on the 'Goal' branch, researchers can ensure they 'get the real picture' and keep sessions 'As real as possible'. This guide is essential for teams looking to eliminate bias and gather authentic user insights during the discovery phase of product development.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Design Leads and Mentors
Training team members on how to conduct unbiased usability testing
User Research Teams
Reviewing interview recordings to identify areas for moderator improvement
How to use this template
Step 1
Download and open the file
Download the .xmind file and open it in Xmind desktop or the web app to view the full interview framework.
Step 2
Customize with project examples
Replace the generic examples in the 'Open' and 'Close' branches with specific questions related to your current product or feature.
Step 3
Share with the research team
Export the mind map as a PDF or image to share as a quick-reference guide for all moderators before starting fieldwork.
Frequently asked questions
This template includes a comprehensive breakdown of interview best practices, specifically focusing on question phrasing, behavioral do's and don'ts, and strategic goals. It maps out the difference between leading questions and open-ended inquiries to ensure data integrity.
Use it as a pre-session checklist or a training tool for junior researchers. Review the 'Not So Good' and 'Avoid at any cost' branches to identify personal biases, and use the 'Open' branch examples to script your interview guide.
Yes, the template is fully editable. You can add your own specific project goals to the 'Goal' node or include industry-specific examples of 'Good' and 'Close' questions to tailor it to your team's needs.
This structure highlights critical errors that invalidate research, such as helping the user navigate the UI or showing excessive empathy that might lead the user to provide 'polite' rather than honest feedback.
Got an inspiring template?
Share your mind map templates with creators around the world and start earning from your work.
Free template