UX design is all about the user, and the only way to uncover user needs is through user research. The problem is that user experience research takes investment and expertise, so many consider it a luxury for larger companies, or it becomes a fleeting thought post design. This way of thinking is why small companies stay small.
When a designer sticks to unproven guesses and gut feelings, they miss opportunities and threaten usability.
It’s the research behind UX and UI design that keeps it relevant, usable, and drives ROI, turning passing users into loyal, converting customers. It’s what saves you time and money as research conducted throughout the design process can reduce development cycles up to 50%.
But what are the user research methods available to you? What do they accomplish, exactly? And how do you conduct them?
Approaches to UX Research
Before we get into the different UX research methods, there are four UX research types that every UX researcher needs to get acquainted with. Every method belongs to one or a combination of these four:
Quantitative Research: Quantitative studies provide measurable, unbiased, numerical data on what behaviors users exhibit.
Qualitative Research: Qualitative studies provide in-depth verbal insight into user behavior to explain why users behave the way they do.
Attitudinal Research: Attitudinal studies involve listening to users and hearing out their thoughts, opinions, and perceptions.
Behavioral Research: Behavioral studies involve observing user behaviors and interactions in real-time.
Research methods can also be defined by the product’s context of use during research. Product use may fall under one of these three contexts.
Natural: The product is used as it would be naturally in the real world.
Scripted: Product use is scripted, providing greater control over use, and tests specific features, design elements, iterations, or insights.
Decontextualized: The product isn’t used in the study at all.
In some cases, depending on design phase and research goals, a single research method can take on more than one approach or product context. For example, a study that’s behavioral in nature can tack on an attitudinal element by asking users about their perceptions in post. Metrics obtained in a scripted product context during design may also be gathered in a natural context after product release.
Top UX Research Methods and How to Conduct Them
There are many UX research methods at your disposal, but the one you use will depend on where you are in the design process, what you need to know, and the problem you’re aiming to solve.
What won’t change for any of these methods is the importance of debriefing your participants, reviewing confidentiality measures, and ensuring that your participants fit your user base or target audience.
That said, here are the top 22 methods that you may call upon throughout the UX research process and an overview on how to conduct them:
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