Which technique involves directly talking to stakeholders to elicit information?

Interviews are a technique that involves directly engaging with stakeholders on a one-on-one basis to gather detailed information. This method allows for in-depth conversations where the interviewer can explore topics thoroughly, ask follow-up questions, and clarify points as needed. The personal interaction encourages stakeholders to express their opinions and insights more freely, which can lead to a richer understanding of their needs, expectations, and ideas.

In contrast, focus groups involve gathering a small group of stakeholders to discuss topics collectively, which might lead to groupthink or dominant voices overshadowing quieter participants. Surveys rely on structured questionnaires and may limit the depth of information gathered, as responses can only be as detailed as the questions allow. Workshops typically involve collaborative activities focused on problem-solving or brainstorming, which may not be directly targeted at eliciting individual stakeholder information in a conversational manner. Interviews, therefore, stand out as the most effective way to gather nuanced feedback directly from stakeholders.