How to explore a user's spreadsheet workaround
You ask about a recent task, and the user mentions doing it in a spreadsheet.
What they might say
- “I just hacked it together in a spreadsheet.”
- “We copy everything into a shared sheet.”
- “I've got my own tracker for that.”
What's usually behind it
A spreadsheet may offer flexibility, familiarity, or something their other tools lack. You need the story of how they used it before treating it as a problem.
What you can say
- What made you reach for a spreadsheet?
- Walk me through the last time you used it.
- Who else was involved?
Try not to
- Assuming the spreadsheet needs replacing.
- Skipping ahead to your product idea.
How Earshot helps in the moment
Earshot listens live, shows one short card with a suggested open follow-up, and nudges you on pace so you leave room for the story.
More for user research interviews