About surveys in user research

IAB - It is not impossible to watch parents pack a car for a trip or pack suitcases and gather trip ‘stuff’ for flights, to observe and gather comments as a family loads up for the departure - or to meet a family at the airport as they depart or return. A quick phone call during a trip or meeting a visiting family in person during a trip. Properly vetted candidates (or family & friends if on a low budget) will yield a wealth of data.

HARVEYJAMES - An unstructured approach will throw you into a tailspin when you’re in a time-limited face to face situation with research subjects you’ve never met previously. Stick to a well filtered script unless an ah-hah moment presents itself.