Introduction
Great design begins with deep empathy. Before you sketch a single wireframe, you need to know who you’re designing for—and what their real needs and pain points are. Here are five research methods you can start using today.
1. User Interviews
- What it is: One‑on‑one conversations guided by open‑ended questions.
- When to use: Early in the process to uncover motivations, frustrations, and mental models.
- Tips:
- Build rapport: begin with light, non‑threatening questions.
- Ask “why?” multiple times to go deeper.
- Record (with permission) for playback and analysis.
2. Contextual Inquiry
- What it is: Observing users in their natural environment as they complete real tasks.
- When to use: When you need to see genuine workflows and workarounds.
- Tips:
- Take minimal notes—focus on watching.
- Ask clarification questions on the spot.
- Respect privacy; always get explicit consent.
3. Surveys & Questionnaires
- What it is: Structured forms to gather quantitative data at scale.
- When to use: To validate hypotheses or prioritize features across a larger audience.
- Tips:
- Keep it short: under 10 questions yields higher completion rates.
- Use a mix of rating scales and open text.
- Pilot your survey with a small group first.
4. Usability Testing
- What it is: Watching real users attempt to complete tasks on a prototype or live site.
- When to use: Before launch—or after—to identify friction in your flows.
- Tips:
- Define clear tasks (e.g., “Find and purchase a blue t‑shirt”).
- Think aloud: encourage participants to narrate their process.
- Focus on “why” errors occur, not just “what” errors occur.
5. Card Sorting
- What it is: Participants organize topics into categories that make sense to them.
- When to use: When designing or validating information architecture.
- Tips:
- Use online tools like OptimalSort for remote sessions.
- Compare open vs. closed sorts to test labels vs. groupings.
- Analyze patterns to inform menu structures and taxonomy.
Conclusion
Mix and match these methods depending on your timeline, budget, and research goals. Start small—just one interview or one test—and you’ll already be uncovering insights that set your design apart.
