The document outlines research methods for design in user experience (UX), including card sorting, usability testing, collaborative sketching, and online discussions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and behaviors to improve site engagement and conversion rates, as well as various approaches to usability testing. The document also provides insights into effective research planning, objectives, and execution within the UX process.

1.
Putting Users in UX
Episode 2
Research Methods for Design

2.
Putting Users in UX
Episode 1
Research Methods for Strategy
April 29
Episode 2
Research Methods for Design
Today
Episode 3
Research Planning, Execution & Analysis
Wednesday, June 24

3. Meet Usability Matters
• Passionate about making technology work
for people
• Thrive in solving complex design problems
• Dedication to finding the right solution

4. Terry Costantino
+ Steven LeMay

5. What we’ll be talking about today
Background
• UX Process
• Research Process, particularly determining research objectives
Research Methods for Design
1. Card sorting
2. Usability testing
3. Collaborative sketching
4. Online discussion
Wrap-up

6. UX Process
Usability Testing
A/B Testing
Eye Tracking
Heuristic Evaluation
Contextual Inquiry
Interviews
Surveys
Focus Groups
World Café
Usability Testing
Card Sorting
Usability Testing
Collaborative Sketching
Online Discussion

7. DETERMINE
OBJECTIVES
PLAN RECRUIT CONDUCT
ANALYZE
& REPORT
Research Process

8. Research Objectives and Activities

9. Assess the site’s ability to inform and drive users to conversion:
• Do participants understand the offer?
• Does the content drive them to subscribe?
• Is there enough of the right kinds of information on the site for participants to
make the decision to subscribe?
• Is the site meeting their expectations? Is anything missing?
Assess the ease of use of the subscription flow?
• Are participants able to understand requirements for subscribing?
• Is anything confusing or unclear?
Research Objectives - Examples

10. Getting Users into
UX Design
1. Card sorting
2. Usability testing
3. Collaborative sketching
4. Online discussions

11. 1Card Sorting
Understanding how users think about information

12. Card Sorting
Understand how your audience thinks about information.
• How do they group things?
• What do they call those groups?

13. Image
based
on
A
Card
Sort
in
Progress
courtesy
of
Yandle,
CC-­‐BY
2.0

14. Image
based
on
A
Card
Sort
in
Progress
courtesy
of
Yandle,
CC-­‐BY
2.0

15. 2Usability Testing
Finding conceptual and tactical barriers to use and usability

17. Variations on Usability Testing
Formal Informal
Setting Lab with observation Anywhere
Recruiting Professional Friends and family
Recommendations Fully - documented Straight into the design
Recording Full sessions and clips Little to none
Cost More time and outside costs Very inexpensive

18. Variations on Usability Testing
Moderated
• Conducted live
• Facilitator asks what the
participant is thinking
• Qualitative
• Finds what and why
Unmoderated
• May be automated
• Participant completes tasks
without interruption
• Pretends to be quantitative
• Finds what but not why

19. Variations on Usability Testing
Remote
• Across geographic locations
• No travel
• Extra technology
In-person
• In the same room
• Requires travel
• Simple technology

22. 3Collaborative Sketching
Working in small groups to sketch an experience

23. Sketches capture concepts, not detailed design.
• Sketches are done in small groups, but there could be many groups
• Each small group can sketch the same experience or different parts of an
overall experience
• Gets everyone involved, no design experience needed
• Use sketching to create lots of ideas and broaden thinking
Collaborative Sketching

24. Image based on Graduate Program Design Workshop courtesy of the Scottish Government, CC-BY 2.0

25. 4Online Discussions
Getting users to discuss your ideas and designs online

26. Facilitating a conversation with and amongst your audiences.
• Choose the right online locations for your audiences
• Devote time to participate fully in the conversation
• Accept feedback graciously, don’t defend your design but be honest
about design constraints
• Always be friendly and professional
Online Discussions

29. Key Research Methods for Design

30.
Questions?

31.
Putting Users in UX
Episode 1
Research Methods for Strategy
recap and downloads on our blog
Episode 2
Research Methods for Design
Wednesday, May 27
Episode 3
Research Planning, Execution & Analysis
Wednesday, June 24

32.
Thank You
Terry Costantino and Steven LeMay
Usability Matters
215 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON, M5T 2C7
Follow us on Twitter: @umatters
416 598 7770
terry@usabilitymatters.com
steven@usabilitymatters.com