UX Research Skills
UX research prioritizes user insights to inform design decisions and enhance user satisfaction
"Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fit our needs so well that the design is invisible.”
— Don Norman
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What is UX Research?
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What is the UX Research Process?
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UX Research Core Principles
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UX Research Challenges
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UX Research Continuous Challenges
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Frequent Frustrations
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Metrics
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Outcome Measurement
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Inspiration Sources
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Continuous Learning
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Soft Skills
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End Goals
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Introduce the UX Research Trinity
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Key Deliverables
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RESEARCH PLAN AND PROTOCOLS
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DATA (RECORDNING, NOTES ETC.)
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ANALYSIS REPORTS
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PRESENTATIONS TO STAKEHOLDERS
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RECOMMENDATION FOR DESIGN
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PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS
HOW?
As a UX researcher, I champion for the user, ensuring that the user’s voice is heard and considered throughout the design process. My primary focus is on understanding user behaviors, needs, motivations, etc., to inform improve the usability of a product or service. I have a deep understanding of users' needs, frustrations, and contexts to inform intuitive and user-friendly designs. I identify gaps or pain points in the user experience and recommend actionable solutions. My primary concerns are the validity and reliability of research date and actionability of insights.
What is UX Research?
- User Experience (UX) Research is the systematic investigation of users and their requirements, in order to add context and insight into the process of designing the user experience. UX research employs a variety of techniques, tools, and methodologies to reach conclusions, derive insights, and generate recommendations.
What is User Experience Research Process?
- As a UX Researcher I follow this process:
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Planning: I define the research objectives, select methodologies, and plan logistics.
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Recruitment: I select and recruit participants that represent the target user.
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Data Collection: I execute the research plan using methods such as surveys, interviews, or usability testing.
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Analysis: I analyze data to identify patterns, insights, and recommendations.
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Reporting: I deliver insights in an actionable format that can inform design decisions.
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UX Research Core Principles
- As a UX Researcher I follow these core principles:
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User-Centricity: Always focus on the end-user's needs and behaviors.
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Objectivity: Separate personal biases from research.
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Usability: Aim to make products as usable as possible.
My UX Research Challenges
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Recruiting the right participants
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Designing unbiased research methods
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Translating insights into actionable recommendations
My UX Research Continuous Challenges
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Keeping up with ever-changing user behaviors
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Balancing user needs with business goals
My Frequent Frustrations
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Insufficient time or resources for comprehensive research
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Stakeholder resistance to findings that challenge existing assumptions
Metrics
- Usability metrics, user satisfaction surveys, Net Promoter Score (NPS), etc.
Outcome Measurement
- Improved usability, increased user engagement, higher conversion rates, etc.
My Inspiration Sources
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Latest UX research papers
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UX conferences and webinars
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Case studies and whitepapers
My Continuous Learning
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Regularly updating skills through courses, workshops, and reading
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Learning from each project to inform future research
My Soft Skills
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Communication
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Empathy
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Critical thinking
My End Goals
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A product that meets both user needs and business objectives
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An ever-improving, user-focused design culture
UX RESEARCH TRINITY
UX RESEARCH PROCESS
USER PERSONA
Name: Jamie Lawson
Age: 29
Job: Marketing Coordinator
Location: Austin, Texas
USER PERSONA
Name: Jamie Lawson
Age: 29
Job: Marketing Coordinator
Location: Austin, Texas
KEY DELIVERABLES
This document outlines the objectives, methodology, and timeline for a UX research project. For example, my plan might specify that 10 user interviews will be conducted over two weeks to explore pain points in the current app navigation.
RESEARCH PLAN & PROTOCOLS
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This refers to the raw data collected during the research phase. For example, I might have video and audio recordings of user testing sessions, as well as detailed notes and observations.
DATA (RECORDING, NOTES, ETC.)
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These are the materials used to identify and secure the participation of suitable subjects for the research. For instance, my screener may ask questions to ensure the participant fits the target demographic, while the consent form will ensure they understand their role and rights in the study.
RECRUITING SCREENERS & CONSENT FORMS
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Post-research, these reports summarize the findings, offering insights and data visualizations. An analysis report might highlight that 80% of users struggled to find the 'contact us' section, leading to a recommendation for design changes.
ANALYSIS REPORTS
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USABILITY TESTING
These are often slide decks or other visual formats used to communicate the research findings and recommendations to key decision-makers in the organization. For example, a presentation might summarize the research methodology, key findings, and suggest actionable steps for improvement.
PRESENTATIONS TO STAKEHOLDERS
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Given the surge in mobile app usage, i have the experience in testing mobile interfaces, considering touch interactions, screen sizes, and platform-specific.
MOBILE TESTING
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These are concrete, actionable steps based on research findings aimed at improving the user experience. For instance, a recommendation might be to redesign the checkout process to reduce cart abandonment rates.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS
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I am able to quickly identify problems, make changes, and then re-test. It is a process that involves real users performing real tasks, and design changes are made on direct observations of user difficulties.