UX Research Study: Conducting Usability Research

Introduction

• Conducting usability research is the second step in a UX research study.
• Usability study assesses ease of completing tasks in a design.
• Provides feedback to improve user experience.

Types of Usability Studies

• Concept Testing: Conducted with early prototypes.
• Interactive Prototype Testing: Most common, provides insight before product launch.
• Post-Launch Testing: Evaluate completed product or specific features.

Example Scenario

• A bakery develops a website feature for online orders.
• Prototype tested for ease of completing an online order.
• Observations: No quantity options for decorations, no help button, lack of note section.
• Improvements based on user feedback improve design.

Moderated vs Unmoderated Usability Studies

Moderated Usability Studies

• Guided by a moderator in real-time.
• Benefits:
  • Guided actions ensure specific feedback.
  • Real-time questioning and follow-ups.
  • Rapport building with participants, beneficial for sensitive topics.
• Limitations:
  • Potential for moderator bias.
  • Less flexible scheduling.
  • Risk of participant discomfort with moderator.

Unmoderated Usability Studies

• No moderator, participants complete tasks independently.
• Benefits:
  • Real-world usage insights.
  • Flexible timing for participants.
  • Comfort for sensitive subject matter.
• Limitations:
  • Lack of immediate guidance or technical support.
  • No real-time follow-up questions.
  • Potential for divided participant attention.

Conducting Usability Studies

Researcher Role

• Observe user interaction, collect feedback.
• Interviews post-testing for additional insights.

Sample Size

• Recommended to recruit a small number of participants for cost-efficiency and uncovering major issues.

Common Problems & Feedback

• Participants often face issues with unclear features.
• Example: Gmail labels usability study highlights problems with discovering and using features.

Moderation Techniques

Building Rapport

• Start with casual conversation to build comfort.
• Thank participants genuinely for their time.
• Explain the importance of honest feedback.

During the Study

• Ask open-ended questions and follow-up for clarity.
• Summarize participant feedback for confirmation.

Bias Awareness

• Be aware of implicit biases and social desirability bias.
• Remain neutral to avoid influencing participant responses.

Note-Taking During Studies

Importance

• Capture non-verbal cues and participant sentiments.
• Summarize experiences and highlight key quotes.

Who Takes Notes

• UX researchers or team members related to the project.

Methods

• Spreadsheet note-taking for organization and analysis.
• Record observations and participant behaviors systematically.

Conclusion

• Usability studies are critical for UX design improvement.
• Conduct with awareness of biases and effective note-taking.
• Choose between moderated and unmoderated based on study goals.

Next Steps

• Watch real-world usability studies to get a practical understanding.
• Practice note-taking skills in your own usability studies.
• Continue learning about usability studies for professional development.