User Research Methods

The systematic study of target users and their requirements to add realistic contexts and insights to the design process, ensuring products meet real needs.

Qualitative explores the "why" through interviews, observations, and open-ended data. Quantitative measures the "what" and "how much" through numbers and statistics.

Attitudinal measures what users say (opinions, preferences). Behavioural measures what users actually do (observed actions, click patterns).

A one-on-one conversation with a user (or potential user) to understand their needs, behaviours, pain points, and motivations.

1. Structured (fixed questions) 2. Semi-structured (guided but flexible) 3. Unstructured (open, exploratory conversation).

1. Ask open-ended questions 2. Avoid leading questions 3. Listen more than you talk — aim for an 80/20 listen-to-talk ratio.

A question that suggests a preferred answer — e.g., "Don't you think this feature is easy?" It biases the response. Instead ask: "How was your experience with this feature?"

5–8 interviews per user segment often reveal ~80% of usability issues (based on Nielsen's research on diminishing returns).

A field research method where you observe and interview users in their natural environment while they perform tasks, combining observation with dialogue.

A longitudinal research method where participants log their experiences, activities, and thoughts over days or weeks using a journal, app, or photos.

When you need to understand behaviours over time, habits, or infrequent events that can't be observed in a single session.

A structured questionnaire distributed to many users to collect quantitative and qualitative data about attitudes, preferences, and demographics.