Author: Alexandra Woodcock

  • Overcoming Blind Spots in Traditional Research

    Overcoming Blind Spots in Traditional Research

    Introduction Companies that rely too heavily on traditional research methods like surveys, IDIs, and focus groups expose themselves to a greater risk of having blind spots in their data. Traditional methods lack context, are prone to bias, and are generally conducted too long from the area of interest for participants to accurately recall their experiences.…

  • The 5 Best UX Research Tools

    The 5 Best UX Research Tools

    Introduction UX research tools are a foundational part of any UX research program. When it comes to finding the best tools for their needs, UX researchers should focus their attention on platforms that unearth actionable insights and facilitate collaboration. With budgets getting cut, it’s also important to consider a platform that supports multiple methodologies. Finding…

  • Capture Contextual Data with Video Diary Studies

    Capture Contextual Data with Video Diary Studies

    Introduction When it comes to understanding users, methods like remote diary studies prove powerful. It is now easier than ever to recruit and study users through this method, which has enabled many companies to thrive with apps, software, and services that are designed with users top of mind. Understanding contextual research Many times when it…

  • The ROI of UX Research

    The ROI of UX Research

    Introduction Assumptive design practices result in unnecessary complexities for users. The best products are simple. The best products are user-first. The best products are the result of extensive UX research. Below are the benefits of using UX research tools: The cost of poor user experiences Poor user experiences deter return visits; thus, it is paramount…

  • Lean into Generative UX Research During Recessions

    Lean into Generative UX Research During Recessions

    Introduction Generative research produces revenue through data-driven storytelling. The resulting qualitative findings may be the difference between a company folding or flourishing in the year ahead. Businesses that embrace generative research methodologies will stay aligned with changing user needs and, in turn, will be better positioned to pioneer user-centered innovations. For most, it is clear…

  • Three ways mobile product managers can overcome UX debt

    Three ways mobile product managers can overcome UX debt

    Abstract Moving quickly comes at a cost for product managers and product designers, and that cost is UX debt. Compounding UX debt is the source of many users’ and designers’ frustrations, lessening utilization & engagement over time. What’s the cost of moving fast and hitting quick deadlines? UX debt. Typically, this type of debt will…

  • When to use contextual UX research methods

    When to use contextual UX research methods

    Abstract Like all user research, contextual inquiry starts from a place of curiosity instead of assumption. To get the most out of contextual inquiry methods, researchers should be utilizing methods of observation like recordings of use or diary studies to truly understand how a user’s context affects usability. What is contextual inquiry? Understanding users is…

  • How to Conduct a Remote Contextual Inquiry

    How to Conduct a Remote Contextual Inquiry

    Introduction Remote contextual inquiries allow researchers to interview and observe users within their natural environment from afar. Through remote contextual inquiry, researchers can carve out genuine insights regarding how users interact with their products as they go about everyday life. The case for contextual inquiries Contextual inquiry fits beneath the umbrella of ethnographic field studies.…

  • Diary Studies: A Powerful UX Research Method for Discovery

    Diary Studies: A Powerful UX Research Method for Discovery

    Abstract: Diary studies are one of the most powerful tools to wield during UX discovery. UXR teams utilize findings from diary studies to build exciting and engaging products and services. What is the discovery phase? In UXR, discovery is the preliminary phase of the design process. In this stage, designers and researchers collect information about…

  • How to use remote diary studies to understand attitudes

    How to use remote diary studies to understand attitudes

    Abstract: Understanding attitudes is key to delivering products that users not only want but need. Remote diary studies are essential to creating and iterating services and products that a target audience will not only use but enjoy. Understanding remote diary studies In user experience research (UXR), understanding user attitudes is paramount to successful research and design,…