Learn
Games
Blogs
Unit 2: User Research & Problem Definition

The unit explores the critical processes of user research and problem definition, focusing on methods like interviews and surveys, persona creation, and journey mapping. It emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs through ethical practices, effective interviews, and measurement metrics to ensure designs address real issues. Clear problem statements and SMART success criteria provide pathways for impactful design outcomes.

You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take mock test.

Sections

  • 1

    Conducting Effective Interviews And Surveys

    This section explores the dual methodologies of interviews and surveys to gather user data, focusing on their unique advantages and ethical considerations.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1

    Research Planning And Ethics

    This section lays out the foundational elements of effective research planning in user studies, with a focus on ethical considerations.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.1

    Defining Clear Objectives

    This section outlines the importance of setting clear objectives in user research to effectively investigate user behaviors and perceptions.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.2

    Ethical Considerations

    This section emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in user research, highlighting informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2

    Interview Methodologies

    This section covers various interview methodologies used in user research, emphasizing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.1

    Structured Interviews

    Structured interviews involve predefined questions asked in a consistent order, providing ease of comparison but limiting spontaneous insights.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.2

    Semi‑structured Interviews

    Semi-structured interviews combine predefined questions with the flexibility to adapt based on responses, allowing for deeper exploration of user motivations.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.3

    Unstructured Interviews

    Unstructured interviews are open-ended discussions that provide rich, narrative data regarding user motivations and challenges.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.4

    Crafting Effective Questions

    This section emphasizes the importance of structuring effective questions in user interviews to elicit meaningful insights and deeper understanding.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.5

    Interview Logistics

    This section outlines the logistical considerations for conducting user interviews, focusing on recruitment strategies and best practices for data collection.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.2.6

    Analyzing Interview Data

    This section outlines the key methodologies for analyzing interview data, including transcription best practices, thematic coding, and the use of affinity diagrams.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3

    Designing Comprehensive Surveys

    This section delves into the creation of effective surveys for user research, emphasizing question design, sampling techniques, and data analysis.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3.1

    Question Design Principles

    This section covers essential principles for designing effective survey questions, ensuring clarity, neutrality, and balanced options.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3.2

    Common Question Types

    This section outlines different types of survey questions used in user research to gauge user sentiments and behaviors.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3.3

    Sampling And Bias Mitigation

    This section discusses key strategies for sampling in surveys and methods to mitigate biases that may affect research outcomes.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3.4

    Survey Administration

    This section focuses on the practical aspects of survey administration, covering modes of surveys and strategies to enhance response rates.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.3.5

    Data Cleaning And Analysis

    This section addresses the critical processes of data cleaning and analysis, emphasizing the importance of removing bad data and using statistical tools to interpret the data effectively.

    Learning Practice

  • 2

    Developing Personas And Mapping User Journeys

    This section covers the creation of personas and mapping user journeys to derive actionable insights from user research data.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1

    Advanced Persona Creation

    Advanced persona creation transforms user data into detailed representations that highlight emotional and contextual user experiences.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.1

    Elements Of A Robust Persona

    This section outlines the key components necessary to create effective user personas that capture the emotional and contextual aspects of user behavior.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.2

    Empathy Mapping Workshop

    The empathy mapping workshop provides a structured method to synthesize user research findings, enabling teams to visualize user experiences and emotions.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.3

    Persona Example

    This section presents an example of a user persona, illustrating how to effectively encapsulate user characteristics and needs.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2

    User Journey And Service Blueprinting

    This section discusses the importance of mapping user journeys and creating service blueprints to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2.1

    Emotional Journey Curves

    Emotional Journey Curves help analyze user emotions throughout their experience with a product, identifying key 'moments of truth'.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2.2

    Service Blueprint Components

    Service blueprinting involves mapping user actions, frontstage, backstage processes, and support processes to enhance understanding of user experiences.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2.3

    Creating A Detailed Journey Map

    This section focuses on the process of creating detailed user journey maps to identify user touchpoints and improve interactions.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2.4

    Example Snippet 1

    This section illustrates an example of user actions within a mobile app context, mapping emotional responses and service interactions.

    Learning Practice

  • 3

    Writing A Clear And Focused Problem Statement

    This section teaches how to formulate clear and effective problem statements to drive user-centered design by identifying root causes and articulating specific goals.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.1

    From Symptoms To Root Cause

    This section introduces the 5 Whys technique for identifying root causes of user problems through systematic questioning.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2

    Crafting The Statement

    This section focuses on creating clear and effective problem statements by combining context, pain points, impacts, and goals.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3

    Refinement And Validation

    This section focuses on refining and validating problem statements through peer review and alignment checks to ensure they address user needs.

    Learning Practice

  • 4

    Establishing Measurable Success Criteria

    This section covers how to define measurable success criteria essential for evaluating the effectiveness of solutions in user-centered design.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1

    Smart Goals Revisited

    This section focuses on the importance of SMART goals in defining measurable success criteria in user-centered design.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2

    Defining Kpis And Okrs

    This section defines and distinguishes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as vital tools for measuring success in user-centered design.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3

    Setting Baselines And Data Collection Plans

    This section emphasizes the importance of establishing baselines for measuring success and outlines the steps for effective data collection plans.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4

    Advanced Success Criteria Examples

    This section outlines the importance of establishing measurable success criteria in user research and design processes.

    Learning Practice

  • 5

    Conclusion

    This section reinforces the importance of thorough user research and precise problem definition in user-centered design.

    Learning Practice

  • 6

    Key Terms

    This section presents essential terminology relevant to user research and problem definition.

    Learning Practice

  • 7

    Activities And Exercises

    This section outlines various interactive activities and exercises to enhance knowledge and application of user research and problem definition techniques.

    Learning Practice

References

Untitled document (10).pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • User research encompasses b...
  • Creating personas and journ...
  • Well-defined problem statem...

Final Test

Revision Tests

Chapter FAQs