When designing and building products, we use research to answer questions and move forward. Our methods run the gamut, from site audits to testing prototypes and interviewing stakeholders. Since each method reveals certain types of answers, we tailor research methods to each project's needs.
Research is a systematic investigation, but it isn’t static. After all that planning, you'll inevitably make some surprising discoveries and improvise a bit. When we receive unexpected answers to our questions, we don’t stop there. Instead, we use those answers to prod, form better questions, and make more pointed observations.
Looking to streamline your own research process? Read about flexible usability testing below.
Community Thoughts on Searching and Researching...
1.
UX Research Cheat Sheet
by Susan Farrell via Nielsen Norman Group
“The important thing is not to execute a giant list of activities in rigid order, but to start somewhere and learn more and more as you go along.”
2.
The Importance of How and Why in a Design Research Interview
by Matt Cooper-Wright via Medium - Design Research Methods
“Often in an interview you have limited time and so paying attention to the way you ask questions helps get the most out of them.”
3.
5 Effective Ways for Usability Testing to Play Nice with Agile
by Jeff Gothelf via Usabilla Blog
“The goal here is twofold. One, you are getting customer feedback to the team so they can adjust their work accordingly. The other goal is to tell the broader organization that, despite moving quickly, you’re validating your approach with real people.”
4.
10 Golden Rules of Facilitation
by Jeff Sauro via Measuring U
“Good facilitation is more than following a script and rules; it’s knowing when and how to apply the rules and when to go off script to get the right data while balancing the needs of the stakeholders and participants.”
5.
What is User Research?
by Timothy Embretson via InVision Blog
“Conducting user research is just one part of the equation. Afterwards, you have to act on that feedback to make new product decisions or enhancements.”
Did you miss us at SXSW this year? Catch up with our recap, including top themes, our workshops, and the best hot dogs in Austin.
