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Definition

User research is the lifeblood of a project. The things that are discovered and unearthed during this stage lays the foundation for how the entire project will turn out. The most dangerous thing I can do as a designer is not to challenge my assumptions. Great user research challenges all my assumptions and requires deep design exploration.

Notes

Research Methods:

• 1:1 Interviews: an in-depth method of gathering qualitative and quantitative insights through one-on-one
• User/Focus Groups when you have a focus group of 3 - 5 target users
• Contextual Inquiry: a semi-structured interview to obtain context of use. Users are observed while working in their natural environment
• Surveys: a time-efficient and inexpensive way to quickly gather user satisfaction and feedback
• Questionnaires: similar to surveys but users can remain anonymous
• Observation / Usability Testing: observing your target audience interact with the product in a controlled or natural environment
• Card-sorting: a method to explore relational content and perceived information
• Heuristic Review: reviewing for usability issues. Can be used for a potential redesign or new implementations of an existing product
• Feature Matrix: a tool to compare the value and cost of features in products to determine the minimum viable product with a feature
• Competitor Analysis: a process that compares how others are currently trying to solve a similar problem