Conducting Effective Qualitative Research Using Smartphones

Mobile qualitative research is transforming how we capture authentic human experiences—directly, naturally, and in the moment. This hands-on course gives you the tools to design, manage, and maximise smartphone-based qualitative studies, whether you're working locally or across borders.

Before attending, you’ll complete a short assignment using a smartphone research app, giving you first-hand experience from a participant's perspective. During the morning session, we’ll explore when and how to use mobile qual, how to engage participants remotely, and how mobile methods open new possibilities for international research—from reducing logistical costs to capturing in-the-moment cultural nuance.

In the afternoon, we’ll review and discuss your pre-submitted content, analysing examples to draw out best practices in interpretation, storytelling, and stakeholder reporting. We’ll wrap with a focus on impact—how to use mobile-generated content to elevate your outputs and bring research to life in vivid, globally relevant ways.

Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

• Design and implement mobile qualitative research studies
• Capture and extract impactful video and in-context content
• Conduct qualitative research across international markets more efficiently
• Apply best practices for participant engagement and remote moderation
• Critically review and interpret smartphone-generated qualitative data
• Collaborate effectively with research technology partners
• Use mobile-generated content to enhance storytelling and reporting impactfully

Who will benefit?

This course is ideal for qualitative researchers, insight professionals, UX researchers, and innovation leads working across domestic or international markets—and looking to expand their methods and produce more engaging, global-ready outputs.

Learning Method

Pre-course app-based exercise, interactive discussion, real-world case studies, peer content review, collaborative storytelling session

Course Delivery Mode

Online

Harassment and Safeguarding Policy

By booking this event, you agree to abide by the MRS Harassment and Safeguarding Policy. A copy of the policy can be viewed here: MRS Event Harassment and Safeguarding Policy.

MRS is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all attendees. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in you being asked to leave the event without a refund. In addition, MRS reserves the right, at its discretion, to refuse future bookings and attendance at MRS events.

If at any point during the event you experience or witness anything concerning, please speak to a member of the MRS team immediately so we can address it promptly and appropriately.

If you wish to raise a concern after the event, please email conference@mrs.org.uk. Concerns will be handled sensitively and proportionately, and MRS may take action where expected standards are breached.