1.2 User Research Flashcards
Why observe the emotions and thought processes of real people?
To reframe the problem we’re trying to solve in the context of real people instead of make-believe problems
User-centered design (UCD)
A design method that focuses on placing the users of a system at the center of all development decisions
Generative research
A.k.a. - exploratory research. Research that is typically conducted upfront and helps designers better understand the problem space.
Exploratory research
A.k.a. - Generative research. Research that is typically conducted upfront and helps designers better understand the problem space.
Evaluative research
Research conducted throughout the design process to evaluate how well designers are solving a problem
Attitudinal research
Focuses on how people think and feel
Behavioral research
Observes what people actually do
Qualitative research
Is direct observation of a subject
Quantitative research
Data-driven, indirect observations such as survey responses
Survey
A common, indirect method of obtaining attitudinal information on how people feel. Can be qualitative if participants prompted to respond to open questions. Most useful when collecting quantitative data from a statistically significant amount of participants.
Participatory design
AKA -cooperative design or co-design. A collection of methods, both qualitative and quantitative, aimed at engaging every single stakeholder—colleagues, clients, and customers
Usability tests
Tests the usability of your product on a set of users.
User interviews
A qualitative method of user research comprising an in-person interview aimed at better understanding a user’s attitude towards a product or service
Top 6 items to consider when writing a script
- Know What You’re Looking for
- Keep Your Questions Simple
- Don’t Ask Leading Questions
- Ask Questions that Reveal Actual Behavior
- Keep Asking “Why”
- Don’t Ask Yes or No Questions
Top X interview best practices
- Keep it natural
- Focus on people over paper
- Use the script as a guide
- Embrace the silence
- If you record, let them know!
