Card Sorting
More about Card Sorting in UX Card sorting helps uncover how individuals break down problems, concepts, or tasks mentally and prioritize items based on relative value. Participants categorize items (words, images, or topics) on cards according to researcher-defined criteria, with the process varying between exploratory or evaluative goals. Card sorting, therefore, can elucidate the mental […]
Extreme User Interviews
Understanding Extreme User Interviews Most companies understand little about their evolving users, especially lean startups lacking research budgets or time for ethnography. Extreme user interviews offer a powerful alternative. Who qualifies as “extreme”? Power users: Professional chefs for kitchen tools, heavy app users for finance software. Non-users: Those who avoid cooking, skip personal finance apps […]
Fly on the Wall in User Research
More about Fly on the Wall Research Fly on the wall research has its limitations. Since the researcher remains a silent observer, they cannot probe or follow up with participants, which may limit the depth of understanding. Frameworks like AEIOU and structured note-taking methods are essential for analyzing observational data in this method. Choosing the […]
Shadowing Technique
More about Shadowing While shadowing in UX research can sometimes be frustrating – since researchers may need to probe further based on initial observations; it is effective in validating the participant’s journey and uncovering real user behaviours. The duration of shadowing exercises can vary widely, from as short as 30 minutes to several weeks or […]
Unfocus Group
Understanding Unfocus Groups Focus groups are typically centred around a defined topic, with structured discussions and probing to generate insights. In contrast, unfocus groups remove this structure, allowing conversations to evolve organically. While businesses are often driven by objectives and measurable outcomes, working without a fixed goal can reveal insights beyond predefined assumptions. In such […]
Focus Groups
Understanding Focus Groups Participants may be given a product or service to try, then share reactions, feelings, and attitudes in a moderated group setting. This makes them useful in design thinking for surfacing shared perspectives. Focus groups are conducted by or for businesses for research. An experienced design research team can add value in planning, […]
In-depth Interviews
Understanding In-depth Interviews The interviewer brings empathy to these personal exchanges. Location matters deeply; a participant’s home often unlocks greater ease than unfamiliar spaces. In-depth interviews shine when exploring emotions, values, opinions, and personal perspectives central to your research. Sessions flex by participant and response, making this method inherently adaptable. Keep groups small; the depth […]
Surveys
Types of Surveys Surveys may be conducted face-to-face, by email, or over the telephone. These types of survey design differ in purpose, advantages, and limitations. Method Purpose Advantages Disadvantages Face-to-face Used to understand respondent emotions and experiences in greater depth. Questions may be adapted based on earlier responses. Can guide the data collection process Can […]