What is it?

• A conversation more or less related to the initiative. It does not follow a predefined set of questions; can be considered as "off the record".

When to use it?

• Informal discussions happen any time and everywhere.
• At the beginning of the process of community engagement: to present a person with the initiative's goals, ask their opinion; to get to know the context and the people in an informal way. Informal discussions can be the first phase towards the definition of more structured interviews.
• During the process of community engagement: allows a great variety of information, and often unexpected information. People can express their doubts or problems in this informal context.
• At the end of the process of community engagement get people's views on the initiative without the pressure of a bigger group.

Number of people

• Usually a small number, less than 4.

Time

• Variable.

Benefits

• Hearing the voice of people who felt uncomfortable in formal contexts.
• Getting information you wouldn't have had within a predefined formal structure.
• Developing greater rapport and trust with interviewees.

Limitations

• The “off the record” context can limit the formal and accurate recording, and eventual use, of the information. If you find the information crucial and want to use it officially, ask for consent, and/or arrange for a follow-up interview or their participation in more formal workshops.
• Unpredictability.