For instance, the records taken by the usability expert when a user is testing a prototype. However, we are considering observation as a research method. In this sense, observation is a method in itself, which distinguishes from others in that it requires that the system is tested in its natural use environment. Observation is not simply watching. Observation requires a structured plan, and in this sense, it has the same complexity than other methods, as experiments.
Observation is structured, planned and systematic.
Therefore, the main feature of observation is that it is made in the natural environment. All behaviors of interest, in all the different moments in time, and in all environments of interest, will be considered as the population of observation units. Then, there must be a process of event and time sampling, which consists of choosing a representative subgroup of these elements, and which will be the observation plan. Sampling techniques are perfectly applicable for these purposes. A system to record behavior has to be devised.