User experience determines the success of any product, website, or app in today's digitally-first world. Be it developing a mobile app, or a web platform, or designing a SaaS solution, UX research methods form the base to understand how your users feel, act, and experience pain to develop actionable insights to build seamless user-centered solutions.
This blog post discusses leading UX research methods categorized into qualitative, quantitative, generative, and evaluative approaches for you to be assured you're making the right call.
What is UX Research?
UX research involves carrying out a scientific investigation into user behaviors, needs, and motives so that products developed ensure a good experience. The main concept under which UX research falls is that of filling in the gap, which lies between a product and what a user may look at as being necessary.
A good UX research process answers very pertinent questions like:
- Who are the users?
- What problems do they want to solve?
- How would the product help them solve that?
These answers help product designers and developers come up with intuitive, functional, and accessible designs.
Types of UX Research: Qualitative vs. Quantitative
UX research methods are broadly categorized as qualitative and quantitative. Both are needed, but knowing their differences will help you to select the right method for your project.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research focuses on subjective insights into user behavior. The emphasis is on "why" and "how" users interact with a product.
Key Techniques in Qualitative Research:
- User Interviews: One-to-one discussions to understand user needs, expectations, and pain points.
- Focus Groups: A type of group discussion that is highly structured to gather divergent opinions and ideas.
- Usability Testing: An observation of how users function while using a product in a way to identify usability flaws.
- Contextual Inquiry: Observing the users under their natural habitat to gain deeper insights into their workflows.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research utilizes numerical data to discover patterns, trends, and insights. It answers "what," "when," and "how many."
Key Techniques in Quantitative Research:
- Surveys and Questionnaires: Standardized forms capturing rich user feedback.
- Analytics and Heatmaps: Tracking what activities, clicks, and navigation pathways people follow.
- A/B Testing: Compare two different products to know which one is liked more.
- Card Sorting: Helps in the design of information architecture based on an understanding of how the user would classify.
Generative vs. Evaluative Research
There are also two broad categories that UX research methods fall into: generative and evaluative.
Generative Research
In this kind of research, the focus is on finding out what the needs of the user are while discovering new ways to innovate.
Popular Generative Methods:
- Field Studies: The observation of users in their natural settings to identify unsolved problems.
- Diary Studies: Equipping users with a method of documenting their experiences over time to identify patterns.
- Workshops and Co-Creation: Involving users in brainstorming and ideation.
Evaluative Research
Evaluative research aims to study prevalent designs or prototypes to make them more usable and useful.
Ordinarily Applied Research Techniques of Evaluation:
- Heuristic Evaluation: Assessing the usability of a design against generally well-accepted usability heuristics.
- Remote Usability Testing: An online observation of the way that people use a product.
- Eye-Tracking Studies: Recording where the user will look while they use the product.
Attitudinal vs. Behavioral Research
UX research is broadly bifurcated into attitudinal and behavioral.
- Attitudinal Research: This type captures what users say they think or feel. Methods include interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
- Behavioral Research: This type observes what the users do and not what they say. Methods include usability testing and analytics.
These approaches will help you understand your users holistically.
Remote vs. In-Person Research
With the advancement of technology, UX research can be carried out both in a remote and in-person method.
- Remote Research: Suitable for a global audience. It is very accessible and relatively inexpensive, thanks to platforms like Zoom and other usability testing tools.
- In-Person Research: Direct observation and interaction provide much greater insight but are also more resource-intensive.
Moderated vs. Unmoderated Research
Another way of categorizing UX research is to differentiate based on how much facilitation is involved.
- Moderated Research: This is a process where the researcher walks the participant step-by-step through the procedure, including interviews and usability tests.
- Unmoderated Research: Participants achieve things on their own without guidance. Online tools include sites for online surveys and testing.
Continuous User Research
The best UX practice should conduct continuous user research, and such product development should be aware of the needs that change in the minds of the users. Feedback-seeking at regular intervals, scrutiny of the analytics data, and rolling out new features are essential to staying ahead.
The Right Selection of UX Research Approach
The right methodology of selection for research depends on the following:
- Project goals: Are you trying something new or perfecting an already good idea?
- Target audience: Who are you designing for, and how do you reach your users?
- Resources: Time, budget, and limitations in tools.
Pro Tip: Qualitative and quantitative methods can balance each other out to get the best results.
UX Research Examples
Case Study: Fundid
Fundid is a financial platform that utilizes generative research methods to determine pain points among small business owners. It has been able to fine-tune the platform through a survey and interviews to address the needs of the users well.
Case Study: Virtual Try-On
A/B Testing and Usability Testing: The usability testing and A/B testing of an e-commerce organization helped enhance its virtual try-on facility on the website. As a result, the company earned user satisfaction and had more conversions in return.
Why Partner with AppVin Technologies for UX Research?
We are intuitive product design specialists who are completely user-centric at AppVin Technologies. We use the most advanced methodologies of UX research to ensure your solution really speaks to your target audience. Whether it’s a cross-platform mobile application or a custom web application, our expertise ensures the right fit for your project.
From generative research to continuous user feedback loops, we design strategies that make businesses like yours deliver exceptionally great user experiences. Stop by AppVin Technologies, and learn how your ideas can take shape in impactful solutions.
Conclusion
Proper investment in UX research methodology forms the core of superb delivery in digital experience. It spans all tiers, from investigating the motives of users using qualitative means to an in-depth behavior examination using quantitative toolsets.
By using these techniques in your design process and networking with experts like AppVin Technologies, your product will surely meet or even exceed user expectations. Start using these techniques now and see the difference it will make in your project.
Let us hear your feedback in the space below; we would be glad to have your comments on your own UX research experience.
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