UXR Process

In this section, I present how an ideal research process could look like - knowing that it needs to be adjusted to the constraints a specific working or project environment.

Some foundational reading: Dan Nessler (2018): How to apply a design thinking, HCD, UX or any creative process from scratch — Revised & New Version

Overview

The phases of an individual research project are:

graph LR
  A[Preparation] --> B[Data acquisition] --> C[Analysis] --> D[Sharing] --> E[Retrospective];

Preparation

The "preparation phase" focuses on getting everything ready to conduct the research activity. One important step is setting the right goals because they will then inform the subsequent sub-tasks such as recruitment strategy and the method selection.

graph LR
  A[Intake] --> B[Goals] --> C[Recruiting<br>strategy &<br>execution] --> D[Research<br>activity<br>design] --> E[Monitor<br>dependencies] --> F[Peer<br>feedback] --> G[Dry<br>run];

1. During the intake phase, the research needs are assessed and clarified with the stakeholders - so that everyone's goals and questions are surfaced and taken into account. A UX researcher should always be equipped with a backlog of possible research opportunities.

2. Based on the intake meeting's outcomes, the UX researcher suggests research goals and makes sure that they are aligned with the company's/product strategic goals and priorities.

3. Now, after having clarity about the research goals and objectives, move on to define your target participants and think about a recruiting strategy - and start executing it along the way when you are preparing the next steps.

4. Design the research activity itself. Ideally, already have in mind how you will be analyzing the data (which might also impact your approach). The research activity's content is heavily influenced by the following two steps that are interdependent:

   1. Select an appropriate stimulus (e.g., a prototype or a mock-up with an appropriate level of abstraction, i.e. low-fi or high-fi artifacts).
   2. Select the appropriate research method for the artifact.

5. Monitor dependencies and progress/status where you depend upon others, e.g. for recruiting or the creation/adaptation of artifacts that you need for your research.

6. Ideally, get peer feedback on the research activity and discuss challenges early - to optimize the research activity.

7. Practice your research activity with a mock participant (maybe someone from a team not directly involved) in a dry run to make sure that everything flows as intended and the artifacts are behaving and are ready as they should be.

Data Acquisition

1. Conduct the research activity.
2. Store the raw data securely.
3. Do a quick share-out as early as possible with some preliminary results to satisfy the stakeholder's urge for quick findings - but prime them that more and "more mature" results will be coming later.

Analysis

Choose an appropriate method for analyzing your data using the most efficient tool(s) for doing this type of analysis. Additionally, do not forget to:

• Prioritize your findings!
• Make recommendations!

Sharing

Disseminate results in a way that is appropriate for your stakeholders so that they are easily digestible for them:

• Document findings!
• Be creative, memorable and concise - storytelling is a UXR virtue - and tailor your content to your stakeholder's attention span.
• Use established formats in your environment (if those exist) and/or be creative trying out new avenues for sharing findings and recommendations.
• Reiterate & follow-up: Sharing is rarely a-one-and-done effort - ensure that your message sticks with your stakeholders and translates into actions!

Retrospective

Ideally, take a moment after conducting a research activity to reflect with the stakeholders on what went well and what could be done differently for the next research activity or iteration.