In searching for empathy in our design thinking process, we must spend time with the people for whom we are designing. True understanding comes from meaningful dialogue and interaction. The most common way to gain this is through a well-planned interview. The good folks at the Stanford d.school have come through again with some great resources. Their interview cycle (see below) sparked a great discussion about times that students had been interviewed previously as well as about interviews they had witnessed on tv or online.
After our introduction to meaningful interviews, the students spent several days developing an interview plan. They learned effective interview strategies and techniques as well working through a brainstorming and refining session to determine their themes and questions. They will actually interview their chosen person on campus next week. The feedback from the interviewees should be highly beneficial.
What do you think makes an effective interview?
Design Thinking 
Listening. An effective interviewer is fully engaged in what the interviewee is saying. Really take in the messages being conveyed. Maybe record with permission so you can go back to the details. But when listening, listen for the big picture!