Interviewing the Techies

My current project involves interviewing the architects, programmers and other experts. Here are some observations:

1. Open ended questions like 'tell me about the security infrastructure' yield more information than topic-specific queries
2. They may have documents, but what's on their mind, or in those post-its in their cubicle, those little snippets that are crucial for the user, seldom reaches those documents. So dig, probe and be patient
3. Be courteous, smile, be a friend. They are the experts. Always mention this 'It'd be great if you can offer your expert opinion' who doesn't like a little acknowledgement?
4. LISTEN. Don't interupt when the expert is talking
5. Give cues. 'hmm hmm?' 'that's right' 'ah-ha' you know?
6. Write less and say more in your e-mails. They don't normally read through your short stories :D

Maybe there's more. Why don't you add it? Got your content provider id yet? Mail me suman1973kumar 'at' yahoo 'dot' com to be a part of this site. And showcase your ideas to the world.