Different approaches

Method - Questionnaires

Benefits - 

• Large number of people can be asked the same question so the comparison is easy to make
• Cheaper than interviews
• Responses can be anonymous 

Limitations - 

• Questionnaires need to be designed carefully, as the questions need to be unambiguous
• You can't guarantee 100% return rate- may be lower by some groups

Method - Interviews

Benefits -

• A rapport cant be developed with the people who will be using the system
• Questions can be added or adjusted as the interviews proceed

Limitations - 

• Can be Costly and time-consuming
• You can't interview everyone

Method - Meetings

Benefits -

• A group of people can attend meetings, different views can be expressed
• Can be used to gather or give information
• Body language can be seen

Limitations - 

• Can lose focus easily hence the question may not answered fully
• Not all staff may attend the meeting as there may be other jobs to be completed

Method - Document/Record analysis and inspection

Benefits -

• It is good for gathering factual information

Limitations - 

• Can't be used to input, output and isn't document-based

Method - Observations

Benefits - 

• All aspects of work loads, methods of working, delays and "bottlenecks" can be identified

Limitations - 

• Can be time-consuming and costly
• No problem may occur 
• Users may put on a performance while being observed