AutoTrader - The Power of UX Research - James Barley at PRWD Research Lab Launch

The gold standard for validating any scientific assumption is to run an experiment. Data science isn’t any different. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to design the perfect experiment. In this talk, we’ll take a realistic look at measurement using tools from the social sciences to conduct quasi-experiments with observational data.

The talk I gave at WebExpo 2014 in Prague! Slides only. Here is the abstract: Usability testing, focus groups, interviews, contextual inquiry, customer development - there are many names and techniques for gathering insights from your users, your customers. In recent years, agile software development and lean startup have changed how research is conducted, and have raised awareness of how important it is to understand who you are building your products for. In this talk, Johanna will cover best practices for gathering insights in the context of product development. Her session will address questions such as: * What techniques are best at the early stage of a product? * What exactly is customer development and how is it different? * What are the skills you need to turn research results into actionable insights that inform your product strategy? Johanna will share her own story of being a researcher and product manager, how and why her practice has changed, and provide actionable advice on embedding research in your process.

Group 4 will present on pitching compelling stories and data gathering. Pitching involves telling a rough story using storyboards to get feedback. Crafting compelling stories means engaging readers with emotional characters and dynamic dialogue. Effective data gathering uses methods like interviews, focus groups, surveys, and secondary research to collect accurate information and make informed decisions.

UX research culminates in data collection and analysis — the more organized it is, the easier it will be to make sense of this information. Debrief sessions where you can reflect on and discuss findings, insights, and observations with your research team or stakeholders

You need it. You know you do. Audience research is a vital part of any project, but it’s often the first thing to be cut. “We know our audiences well enough,” they say. “We know what they want.” But is that true? No! Of course not! If we knew what audiences wanted, we’d have an excess of donations, volunteers, newsletter subscribers, and report readers, and we wouldn’t be having conversations about how to get audiences to act or increase awareness. During this session, you’ll learn about: - My favorite lean audience research methods and why they’re awesome - How to convince your boss that audience research is necessary - How to conduct audience research when you have zero resources By the end, you’ll have what you need to do some quick and dirty audience research and convince others that it’s necessary! Presented at the Nonprofit of Influence Conference (hosted by the Colorado Nonprofit Association).

The document discusses snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Snowball sampling is a non-probability technique where initial subjects are used to refer researchers to other potential subjects who are hard to locate. It has advantages like locating hidden populations cheaply, but disadvantages like community bias and lack of randomness. Purposive sampling involves consciously selecting subjects with specific characteristics relevant to the study. Examples of each technique are provided to illustrate how they are applied in research.

ACTIVITY 1 Chosen Research Design: Qualitative Why do you think this design is appropriate to your research interest? Based on my understanding of qualitative research, I believe it can be appropriate for certain types of research questions. In my view, qualitative research is particularly useful for exploring complex phenomena, gaining insights into people's experiences and perspectives, and developing theory. I also recognize that it can be valuable in applied settings, such as healthcare or social work, where understanding people's experiences is crucial for improving practice. Guide Questions 1. Did you remember the research design listed in the table? YES, I have remembered all the research design listed in the table. 2. What other research designs did you recall which is/ are not listed in the table? Longitudinal Study Cross-sectional Study Survey Research Action Research Participatory Action Research Grounded Theory Ethnographic Research 3. Was it easy or hard to determine the research design to be used in your selected topic or interest? For me, it is easy because in the first place I already have an idea where to start. I believe when you select a topic, you already considered what design you will use. 4. What are the factors that you consider in selecting a research design for your study? As a researcher, I must consider various factors when selecting a qualitative research design for my study. These include the research question, the purpose of the study, the nature of the phenomenon being studied, and the available resources and time frame. Additionally, I must reflect on my own philosophical and theoretical perspectives to ensure that the chosen design aligns with my worldview and research goals. Reflection How does research design make your study colorful/ interesting? As a researcher, I have come to appreciate how qualitative research design can add color and interest to a study. By using methods such as open-ended interviews, observations, and document analysis, I can capture the rich and complex experiences, perspectives, and contexts of the participants. This type of research allows me to delve deeper into the phenomenon being studied and gain a more nuanced understanding of it. One of the benefits of using qualitative research is the ability to create vivid descriptions, quotes, and narratives that add depth and meaning to the study. It's fascinating to see how the data can come to life and offer a unique perspective on the topic. Additionally, I've found that unexpected findings often emerge during qualitative research, which can add to the intrigue and interest of the study. Overall, I believe that qualitative research design offers a powerful way to explore the intricacies and nuances of human experience. It enables me to create a study that is more compelling and engaging, as well as provides insights that cannot be obtained through other research methods. ACTIVITY 2: TELL ME THE QUANTITY Directions: Read the qu

Exploratory testing is described as a thoughtful, focused, and disciplined approach similar to solving quests or puzzles in a game. The tester designs and executes tests simultaneously based on information gained from previous tests, unlike scripted testing which follows a predetermined plan. It requires skills like observation, critical thinking, generating diverse ideas, and using various resources to test effectively. Both exploratory and scripted testing have benefits depending on the context, but exploratory is best suited for tasks like testing where the path is not fully known in advance.

For as long as dial testing has been a mainstay of global market, media, and public opinion research, its uses and benefits still remain a mystery to some. Whether to eliminate groupthink, quantitatively validate an idea, or drive deeper and more meaningful group discussion, dial testing can play a critical role in focus group and survey research. To help introduce (or re-introduce) you to the dial testing methodology, here are 10 good reasons why it should be part of your research mix.

The document summarizes a design process that involved 12 workshops on topics like DIY electronics and microbe labs. It describes personas developed, sessions using the PROTEE method, and two prototype ideas that emerged. One prototype was selected and built, with literature reviews, observations of workshops, and conferences also part of the process. The prototype is described as a proof of concept that is not fully tested or robust but provides basic functionality. Reflections question how evaluation could better capture value and outcomes, how to get to know participants and build trust, and how to plan for and adapt to the unexpected.

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to attend the UX Summit at Chicago with speakers from Disney, NASA, Google, Amazon, and more. Check the Agenda http://bit.ly/UXSummitAgenda We want to share this great experience, some of the Insights we learn during the event, and our favorite Quotes! Enjoy!

The document summarizes a citizen-led innovation project that took place over several months. It involved 12 workshops on topics like DIY electronics and microbe labs. Researchers conducted 4 personas, 3 reflection sessions, literature reviews, observations, and documentation of workshops. They created 2 prototype ideas and selected 1 to build. The prototype was user tested but is noted as a proof of concept and work in progress, not a final product. The document poses questions for reflection on how to best support innovation, evaluate tangible and intangible outcomes, build trust between diverse groups, and make decisions in citizen-led projects.

Exploratory research aims to gain a deeper understanding of users, their lives, and how products fit into their context. It helps define, reevaluate, and expand the problem space. Key methods include interviews, activities, observations, and homework assignments. Analyzing data inductively allows theories to emerge from research findings. Findings should be communicated through engaging stories that make insights sticky and shareable. The goal is to provide an interactive experience that leaves the audience excited to share what they learned.

This document provides a summary of key topics and terms from several textbook chapters on research, evaluating internet resources, supporting materials in speeches, presentational aids, logical arguments, and types of evidence. It outlines important concepts like the components of evaluating internet sources, purposes of supporting materials, definition of etymology, logical fallacies, and types of arguments. Key terms are highlighted for each chapter to focus study on.

The document discusses the importance and benefits of user experience (UX) design. It states that UX design allows designers to get to know users better than users know themselves through research methods like interviews, observation, and usability testing. This helps designers understand user needs, behaviors, and assumptions to create products that tell an intuitive story for the user. The document advocates for a user-centered design process that prioritizes user research, creates user personas and journeys, tests low and high fidelity prototypes, and iterates based on user feedback. The overall message is that UX design should be an enjoyable process of learning about users to build the optimal solution.