How to set your research up for success by choosing the best method for the best outcome.
When running a user research study, the method you choose has the potential to influence your insights. How, when, and where you complete your research are important factors in determining your study’s success. As designers, we have lots of proven methods at our fingertips, but choosing the best method for the job isn’t always easy.
Do you ever find yourself confused about which method to use or tend to fall back on the same one or two methods? Well you’re not alone, these challenges are very common for UX’ers. Faced with the same challenge, I set out to do my…
Learn about the user research landscape, 20 of the most common methods, and when to use which with this online tool.
This article is part two of a two part series. Read part one here.
Last year I launched the beta version of Recommend-a-Method (now called Rubik), an online tool designed to provide guidance on which user research method will best meet your needs. I’ve recently been working on new features and content, and am keen to share three exciting updates with you!
Remind me what this is all about…
Deciding which user research method to use can be hard, as different methods yield different learnings and are therefore better suited for specific circumstances. Rubik was designed to help UX’ers (and non-UX’ers alike) choose an appropriate research method…
Get guidance on which user research method will best meet your needs with this online tool
This article is part one of a two part series. Read part two here.
In UX research, the method you choose can be just as important as the questions you ask. How, when, and where you ask your questions can have a big impact on the insights you learn. Imagine running a survey when what you really need is contextual enquiry, or conducting user interviews when what you really need is a card sort. Not only can you waste time and effort, you can miss out on important learnings from your users.
The challenge
At SEEK, we really value our time with…
A discussion on ethics and responsible product design
It’s no secret that design can be used to influence behaviour. The way information is presented, the words and images used, are all intentional decisions made by a business with goals. Think of the advertising industry — where every word and font is carefully selected to hook the maximum number of customers. We work in a similar way in the digital world.
In the late 80’s, Don Norman (the grandfather of User Centered Design) proposed that for a design to be successful it must align to the needs and psychology of people. …
Light touch research methodologies and tools for staying in tune with your customers’ voice
In the world of product design, getting real-life user feedback is paramount to success. We all know this and it’s easy in theory. But once we get out in the real world, we’re often competing against lean timelines and juggling multiple initiatives at once. There isn’t always time for as much formal research as we’d like. Organising and preparing for face-to-face research with customers is time consuming and requires dedicated attention. Not to mention the time it takes to run the sessions and analyse the insights. We’re talking up to 2 weeks of devoted time, which isn’t always possible.
How to create rapport and get your whole cross-functional team contributing to the design process.
In the modern tech workplace, collaboration is key. With the widespread adoption of Agile workflows and cross-functional teams, it’s more important than ever to know how to work together to reach a goal. But the truth is, collaboration isn’t always easy. Different roles and expertise can mean different priorities and beliefs.
As a UX Designer at SEEK, one of the challenges I face daily is how to keep the rest of my product team engaged in the work I’m doing. Like most UX’ers on a product team, I find myself a lone wolf amongst a handful of developers, Business Analysts…
Cheryl Paulsen
Product Designer with a passion for human behaviour.
