ReseaRch MethoD 37 experience Sampling Method Experience sampling allows the designer to collect snapshots of behaviors, interactions, thoughts, or feelings from people who self- report in real time when signaled at random or timed intervals. experience sampling is a method well established in the design community, but in fact has a history in the social sciences. 1 The method is extremely useful in exploratory and generative phases of design research, and is often coupled with diary or photo studies. new technologies and software are expanding the possibilities and flexibility of the method. experience sampling requires that the participant record or document something specific when signaled, typically by a device alarm. In the past, this signal was sent to a pager carried by the par- ticipant, hence the common reference to the method as a "beeper study." Current technology allows other signaling opportunities, including new smartphone applications that can be programmed to alert the participant when it is time to make or send an entry. The behaviors, interactions, thoughts, or feelings of interest to the design researcher are guided by clear instructions issued in advance, and are entered into a preestablished form, often a diary or journal. The entries may be general, such as "document your feelings right now," or quite specific, such as "list the communication products you are currently using." The journal should be well designed for portability and ease of use in documenting the required items of interest. 1. larson, r., and M. Csikszentmihalyi. "The experience Sampling Method." new directions for methodology of Social and behavioral Science 15 (1983): 41­56. Further Reading Hektner, J. M., J. A. Schmidt, and M. Csikszentmihalyi (eds.). experience Sampling method: measuring the Quality of everyday Life. Thousand oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2006. Hsieh, G., I. li, A. dey, and J. Forlizzi. "Using visualizations to Increase Compliance in experience Sampling" in ubicomp '08, ACM, 2008.