We will use three need finding techniques: survey, interviews, and observation. The survey will help us identify the most important features that potential users want in the application, while interviews will help us understand the reasons behind those preferences and discover any nuances that should be considered in our design.

We will observe students during their lessons and practice sessions to better understand the teaching and practicing processes. This will be subject to the Hawthorne effect, since people practice differently when they’re being observed, but we've talked to some vocalists at Eastman, and they said that it probably wouldn't interfere too much. Contextual inquiry (i.e. asking questions while observing) could be more informative, but we believe it would interfere too much.

We have several connections at the Eastman School of Music, including Katherine Ciesinski, a voice professor who has been supportive of similar projects in the past, and at least seven Eastman students who are friends or acquaintances and can connect us with other students. We also know a few students in the a cappella groups on campus. These connections will be our starting point for recruiting students to survey and interview.