User Research (UX Research)
Definition
Usage research examines tasks, needs, and behavior of people interacting with products.
Interviews, observations, usability tests, and quantitative methods answer different research questions. The method depends on the question, not the available tool.
Simply explained
Like careful listening and watching before a tool is redesigned.
Why it matters in practice
Decisions can be based on actual problems rather than just internal assumptions.
Example from business
Hypothetical example: A team observes where customers cannot complete an application.
Limits and pitfalls
- Suggestive questions and inappropriate participants distort results; statements and observed behavior must be distinguished.
Origin & history
Usage research combines methods from social sciences, ergonomics, and human-computer interaction.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Improve websites, portals, and internal tools based on real workflows.
Frequently asked questions
Is a survey of opinions sufficient for every question?
No, some problems only become visible during observed usage.
Sources
- UX Research Cheat Sheet · Nielsen Norman Group: UX Research Cheat Sheet –
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