Qualitative Research methods Flashcards
heuristic evaluation
Heuristic evaluation is a process where evaluators determine the usability of a product. This is done by measuring the interface’s compliance with the generally accepted rules or “heuristics of UX.
Card sort
a technique used to understand how users naturally categorize information into logical groups. Participants are usually given labeled cards and asked to sort them into groups that make sense to them.
type of card sorts
closed open hybrid
what is a closed sort
Participants sort information into the categories you provide them. Use this method if you want to understand your users’ mental models to build a new product or improve an existing one.
what is an open sort
Participants name their own categories and sort information into them. Use this method when you need to evaluate your existing information architecture, fix glaring problems, and clear up any confusing information.
what is a hybrid sort
Participants sort information into both categories provided by you and those created by themselves. Use this method when you have a general understanding of your user’s mental models but need more clarity in specific aspects.
content audit is the process of reviewing your content for what?
Keeping up with new information and trends
Evaluating changing user needs and behavior
Rewriting your product content for better results
Removing redundant or outdated information
competitor analysis
collecting information about competitors such as their user demographics, product features, tone, style, and language used in their content, and the visual design of their product, among other things.
ethnographic study
Ethnography in UX research involves observing users’ behaviors and tendencies in their natural environments. For example, for a vending machine maker, studying how a user operates their vending machine placed in a public place can provide insights into their likes, dislikes, and hiccups in the ordering process.
contextual inquiry
used to understand users’ interactions with complex systems and in-depth processes. During a contextual inquiry, the researcher observes a participant performing a task, just like in the case of an ethnography study. However, here the researcher also asks follow-up questions to the participants to gain more insights into their actions.
diary studies
a diary study, is a type of ethnography where participants self-report their behavior. carried out over a significantly longer duration of time.
participatory design
Asking users to visually draw out the hierarchy of their goals and needs
in depth interviews
A flexible research method where you engage one-on-one with your users. It helps you gain a deeper understanding of your users and their sentiments towards your product. It can be carried out either online or offline.
what is an in-depth interview used for.
Gather feedback about your product or feature launch
Build your user personas and understand user needs and goals
Improve your existing product
Gain specific insights on your visual design or overall user experience
Usability testing
Usability testing, also known as user testing, is a research method used to measure how easy it is to use a product. It involves getting users to perform a task or series of tasks, observing them, and gaining their feedback.
Card sorts are used for
intuitive information architecture or evaluating the existing one.
what is a mental model
A mental model is a cognitive framework or representation that individuals construct to understand and interact with the world around them. It is a mental scheme or internalized understanding of how something works, based on previous experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions. Mental models help us make sense of complex information and situations by organizing and interpreting incoming stimuli.
