Summary
There are more tools than ever to make research as streamlined and accessible as possible. But it can be overwhelming to choose among them, to know what's right for your organization's needs, to work with existing systems and contracts. We'll explore our UX Research Tools Map and talk about ways to build out a stack that works hard for your needs and within your budget.
Key Insights
-
•
User researchers need diverse tools to fit various needs and budgets.
-
•
Selecting the right tools is crucial as 44% of researchers lack a defined budget.
-
•
User research spans multiple categories: research ops, passive insights, active research, insight management, and design.
-
•
Only 8% of stakeholders know how to access user research results regularly.
-
•
Research tools can overlap categories, emphasizing the need for flexibility.
-
•
Both low-cost DIY options and comprehensive enterprise solutions can be effective depending on the situation.
-
•
Integration capabilities of tools can significantly enhance user research efficiency.
-
•
Understanding user behavior through passive insights can inform active research efforts.
-
•
Customization of tools can create a more engaging experience for participants.
-
•
Continuous adaptation and refinement of research tools is essential for ongoing improvement.
Notable Quotes
"When I first joined User Interviews, there was this idea about mapping out all the types of research tools available."
"Choosing among tools can be really hard because every team and researcher is different."
"Most researchers are involved in other parts of their organization or product."
"With the tools map, we added a layer of categorization to make it easier to navigate."
"The tools map should be seen as a lens or a thought starter, not a comprehensive list."
"For passive insights, the most popular tools were Survey Monkey and Google Surveys."
"Regardless of budget, you can still use basic tools like Google Sheets and Zoom."
"The integration of tools like Zoom or Slack can enhance communication for research."
"Many researchers utilize free tools that everyone is familiar with, which might take more time but are accessible."
"Always be on the lookout for tools that fill specific pain points in your research process."
More Videos
"Conversations around climate shouldn't be abstract but must include practical discussions."
Sheryl Cababa Alexis OhThinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
"There's a lot happening that we feel we can be a part of."
Louis Rosenfeld Billy Carlson Jon Fukuda Maria TaylorHow AI will Change DesignOps Tooling
October 3, 2023
"These AI models are not a hundred percent perfect, and we must stress test the output."
Kelly DernAI as a Design Partner: How to Get the Most Out of AI Tools to Scale Your Process
October 3, 2023
"Our work must reflect equity and care in how we operate."
Ariel KennanTheme Two Intro
November 17, 2022
"These trends reflect not just Design Ops but are indicative of larger societal changes in the workplace."
Dave Malouf Meredith Black Farid SabitovThe Past, Present, and Future of DesignOps: a 2-part DesignOps Community Call (Part 1)
February 17, 2022
"The best way to understand something is to become part of it."
Sarah RinkRemote User Research: Dos and Don'ts from the Virtual Field
June 11, 2020
"Mobile devices generally offer fewer distractions because of their smaller screens, aiding users with cognitive challenges."
Sam ProulxMobile Accessibility: Why Moving Accessibility Beyond the Desktop is Critical in a Mobile-first World
September 8, 2022
"Recruiting for these panels involved sending out a screener to identify potential participants."
Wyatt HaymanGlobal Research Panels
August 8, 2020
"Material design is a framework for creating web and mobile experiences."
Elizabeth ChurchillExploring Cadence: You, Your Team, and Your Enterprise
June 8, 2017
