The document provides an overview of user research within a UX team, explaining its importance in understanding user thoughts and feelings to enhance design. It outlines methods for conducting user research, such as surveys and usability tests, and emphasizes the need for iterative improvement based on user feedback. The presentation also highlights the significance of designing for users rather than assumptions, ensuring usability and engagement in products.

1. For internal use only
UX Research Presentation
• What is User Research?
• Why do we need User Research?
• How is User Research conducted?
• How do I include User Research?
Agenda

2. For internal use only
Bring Me to Your Researcher
• Michelle Scott, UX Team, Austin (mscott@rosettastone)
• From New Jersey
• Degree in Psychology and English
• Previously worked as a technical writer and business analyst
• Has a black whippet/lab named Minnie
• Fun Fact: I like to sculpt miniature versions of food
About Me

3. For internal use only
• Achieve higher status
• Provide for family
• Do as little work as possible
• All you can eat buffets, donuts, beer
• Trying new hobbies, jobs for a short time
• Spending time with his friends
• Stealing stuff from Flanders
• Bald, overweight, clumsy
• Mr. Burns doesn’t recognize him
• Bart always gets in trouble
• Usually low on money
• Worries he’s a bad father/husband/son
Meet Homer J. Simpson
Bio
• 41 years old
• Married to high school sweetheart
• Has 3 children
• Works at nuclear power plant
Motivations
Goals Frustrations

4. For internal use only
Getting Inside Users’ Heads
What is User Research?
• Research is part of the UX team
• Investigate and understand users’ thoughts and feelings
• Test and interview real people
• The results inform the design

5. For internal use only
Why Do We Need User Research?
Watch Users Interact with our Products
• Context around how users feel when using product
• First impressions, immediate flags to improve
• Quick wins for the next design iteration
• Stronger if multiple users share same experience

6. For internal use only
Why Do We Need User Research?
We Design for Users, Not You-sers
Key Skills
• Communication
• Receptive listening
• Humility
• Empathy
Homer, I’ve
never even bowled in
my life!

7. For internal use only
Why Do We Need User Research?
Saves Time, Money & Resources
Excellent
• Decreases number of support tickets
• Helps clarify requirements
• Increase conversion
• Avoid costly fixes
• Improve product credibility

8. For internal use only
Why Do We Need User Research?
Minimize Confusion, Frustration & Abandonment
Worst product ever.
• Buttons are vaguely labeled
• Interactions that lead to unexpected result
• Feeling stuck on a screen
• Lost in the navigation
• Content -too much, not enough, poorly written or not helpful
• Too many distractions - ads, colors, graphics, options

9. For internal use only
Why Do We Need User Research?
Make Users Feel Good
OH YEAH!
• Strive to make product useful, usable, desirable
• Makes user feel smart, capable, engaged
• Goals are achievable and timely
• Works better than expected
• Elements of delightful surprise
• Fun interactions (tapping, dragging, etc.)
• Encouraging despite difficult task
• Feel like they are in control

10. For internal use only
UX Team
User Research Introduction
Well, that sounds
great with your fancy slides and
your moving pictures and all, but how you
plan on doing on this?
You got some kind of, uh, mind reading
machine there, Midge?

11. For internal use only
How is User Research Conducted?
Research Methods
• A/B Testing
• Usability Tests
• Paper Prototypes
• Surveys
• Focus Groups
• Card Sorting
• Contextual Interviews
• Personas*
• Customer Journey Maps*
• Empathy Maps*
• Analytics*
Ketchup…
Catsup…

12. For internal use only
UX Team
User Research Introduction
OMGYISSSSSS!!!
“So you want a realistic, down to earth show
that’s completely off the wall and swarming with
magic robots?”

13. For internal use only
How Do I Include User Research?
Ask Yourself These Questions:
But…how
will I know if I need
research?
• How will users feel about this feature?
• How can I be sure of my assumption?
• What if I’m wrong?
• If I’m wrong, how will I know what users want instead?

14. For internal use only
How Do I Include User Research?
Begin the Research Process
• Meet with your researcher
• Discuss the problem
• Design a test
• Launch the test & collect results
• Share results with your team
• Improve product based on user feedback
• Repeat!
I think
research is pretty
cool!

15. For internal use only
Questions
Quest-diddly-estions?