Leveraging Research Techniques: Understanding User Wants and Needs with Dan Berlin

When designing and evaluating interfaces there is a tendency to focus on the mechanics of design, identifying ‘problems’ without taking a holistic view. To design products and services that make things easier and give people capabilities they've never had before (and actually want), we need to identify more than just the problem itself. We need to understand the factors that lead to the problem, the impact it has on individuals, and how people currently try to solve it.

User Experience (UX) researchers use a variety of tools to investigate the human factors that should be taken into account when designing an interface. The tools we choose to employ are more than a means to an end to discover mechanical problems. Their selection is crucial – but how to choose the right one?

When selecting and applying a research approach, it's common for teams to run into challenges like:

•Choosing an appropriate research method to collect specific data

•Processing qualitative data in an effective and efficient manner

•Understanding recruiter practices and building a relationship with the recruiter

•Conveying data in such a way that is both digestible for clients and useful for designers

Understanding the research activities available to you and when each should be used is critical to making your efforts effective from cost, time, and design perspectives.

With a better understanding of research techniques and what they entail, you can:

•Work more efficiently to capture data and deliver results quickly

•Collect user behavior as well as verbal feedback and compare them

•Construct research activities that allow you to uncover problem solutions that can’t be answered by asking a simple question

•Choose the appropriate user research method that will answer your pertinent questions

•Deliver results and recommendations faster and more clearly

Come join the conversation and learn why research is essential to guarantee customer satisfaction.