Inquiry /
User Research
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User research focuses on understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through interviews, surveys, usability evaluations and other forms of feedback methodologies. It is used to understand how people interact with products and evaluate whether design solutions meet their needs.
Also see syllabus topics 1.1a Anthropometrics, 7.3 Strategies for user research and 9.4 Market research
Surveys
Surveys
Surveying is the best choice when consulting a group of people. Usually at least 10. If less: interview. Conclusions for your project can only be drawn from a significant number of representative respondents. If the numbers are low or the respondents are not representative, outliers may lead you to wrong conclusions.
Survey questions usually:
Are closed-ended questions leading to quantitative data. Examples: Yes/no, multiple-choice, rating on a scale.
End with an open-ended question asking ‘anything else you want to share?’
End with a question that asks respondents whether you can reach out to them later: 'Would you be prepared to answer some follow-up questions in a short interview later?'
End with a question that asks respondents whether they would be interested in being informed of the outcomes of your design project: Would you like to be informed of the progress/outcomes of my design project?
Are most conveniently provided through some online form that automatically collates the answers for you.
Most people surveyed will be happy to help you with your project as long as they know it will be quick and easy. You are nevertheless taking up their time. When asking someone to fill out a survey always:
Introduce yourself
Introduce your project in general, but with sufficient detail to allow the respondent to understand why they are consulted. Provide examples and supporting documentation if necessary.
Explain how you will use the data they provide. Normally a survey should be anonymous. If you are collecting personal information (e.g. age), you need to explicitly mention this.
Apologize for taking their time and indicate that you really appreciate this time.
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Survey introduction
Survey introduction
Intention
This survey intends to help explore and define the context of my final Design Project (IA) in the Diploma Programme Design Technology course. As a general direction, I have chosen ... for an initial focus. ...
Timing
The survey should take about x to y minutes to complete.
Data use statement
All data collected in this survey will be kept completely confidential and will be solely used to inform the indicated design project. I will not discuss, disclose, disseminate, or provide access to survey data in a way that allows the identification of respondents. All individual data records will be destroyed upon completion of my project.
Thank you
Thank you for helping me with my design project. Your responses are invaluable and very much appreciated.
Collecting demographic data
Collecting demographic data
Gender
Be woke!
(but do get the info you need to generalize)
Man
Woman
Transgender
Non-binary
Non-confirming
Prefer not to say
Age
Be intentional. Think about how the age of users would be meaningfully categorized in your specific design context.
12-16 - Middle School students
13-19 - Teenagers
17-18 - High School students,
19-21 - Bachelor students
19-24 - College student
22-26 - Master students, Post-docs
25-30 - Early carreer
31-40, ...
Nationality / Ethnicity
Be intentional. Think about how your users would be meaningfully categorized in your specific design context. And only ask if relevant!
Ethnicity (not 'race'!)
Nationality
Region
Continent
Interviews
Interviews
Interviewing is the best choice when consulting individuals. You will have specifically chosen these individuals because of their experience or expertise. Their opinions and information are almost certainly very relevant and highly insightful. You want to give them the opportunity to answer your questions as openly as possible. Allow them to diverge from the topic: They might come up with an answer to a question you forgot to ask!
Use open-ended questions leading to qualitative data.
Ask 'why?’ or ‘can you explain further’ or ‘what is your opinion about …’ etc.
Take extensive and accurate notes for future reference.
Usually, the person interviewed will feel flattered by you considering them a valuable source of information. You are however taking up their time. When setting up an interview always:
Introduce yourself
Introduce your project in general, but with sufficient detail to allow the interviewee to understand why they are consulted. Provide examples and supporting documentation if necessary.
If possible, explain why you consider them an expert. Flatter, but in moderation.
Apologize for taking their time and indicate that you really appreciate this time.
During the interview itself, it is probably best to limit the number of questions to between 3 and 6. Your open-ended questions will lead to extensive answers. More questions may be too time-consuming for both yourself and the interviewee.
Finally, an interview may at first seem a very formal occasion where you make an appointment and sit down with someone for a significant amount of time. Usually, this is best. On occasion, however, an interview can also be conducted as an informal chat or even via email.
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