User-Centred Research Methods
NoteUser-centred research methods can be used to understand a user population.
Interviews
- One-on-one conversations with users
- Gather qualitative insights (opinions, stories)
- They can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the research goals.
- Structured Interviews: Predefined questions ensure consistency.
- Semi-Structured Interviews: Flexibility to explore new topics based on user responses.
- Unstructured Interviews: Open-ended conversations for exploratory research.
A design team conducts semi-structured interviews with elderly users to understand their challenges with a new mobile app.
Surveys
- Collect quantitative data from a large user population.
- They are useful for identifying trends and preferences.
- Closed-Ended Questions: Provide specific options for responses.
- Open-Ended Questions: Allow users to express their thoughts freely.
- Use Clear, Concise Language: Avoid jargon or complex terms.
- Include a Mix of Question Types: Use multiple-choice, Likert scales, and open-ended questions to capture diverse insights.
Field Research
Definition
Field Research
A first-hand observation of users conducted in their real environment.
- Collecting data in the natural environment where users interact with a product or service.
- Provides authentic insights into user behaviors and contextual factors.
- Observation: Watching users interact with a product in their environment.
- Contextual Inquiry: Engaging with users to understand their tasks and challenges.
- Ethnographic Studies: Immersing in the user's environment to gain a deep understanding of their culture and practices.
A design team observes nurses using medical equipment in a hospital to identify workflow inefficiencies and design improvements.
