I always recommend Erika Hall’s book Just Enough Research as a starting point for people looking to run their own research into the behaviour of their users. It’s a great overview of research methods and how to better understand your users and their needs. As the title suggests though, more strategy and thought is required in order to get the most from your research efforts.
Research should be run regularly. While there is still a time and a place for one-off large-scale research studies, iterative usability testing is a powerful way to answer important design questions and evaluate whether a prototype meets with user needs. Taking a ‘little and often’ approach to research can lead to rapid, effective product development.
Attitudinal generative research also benefits from being regularly updated as peoples’ attitudes and contexts change over time. Artifacts like personas, for example, need revisiting to ensure they’re still representative of your target audience.
Where does research fit?
Treating UX research as merely a ‘resource to tap into’, as a commodity or a support function can be problematic. This mindset often undervalues researchers as it ignores the strategic expertise and critical thinking that experienced UX researchers bring to the table, reducing their work to "just running tests" or "gathering feedback”. It can also minimise the scope of research meaning that research is only used to validate pre-existing ideas or provide quick fixes. Treating research as a resource risks reducing collaboration, as it can feel like researchers are separate from the main design team.
A better approach is to treat UX research as a strategic partner in product development, embedding research, and researchers, as a key part of the team. This helps to ensure that research is a continuous consideration throughout the design process, rather than just a box to tick and empowers both researchers and the broader team to deliver better outcomes. Regular research can also help to bridge the gap between research and design.
Regular research gets results
Regular, visible research is essential for impactful design. While it can be challenging to measure the direct value of research, its role in shaping effective, user-centered designs is undeniable. By integrating regular research into your process, you’ll empower your team to deliver better results and create products that truly meet user needs.
