Research Methods
This section provides practical guidance on various UX research methodologies. Each method includes when to use it, how to conduct it, and templates to get started.
Choosing the Right Method
Select your research method based on:
Research questions - What do you need to learn?Project stage - Discovery, validation, or optimization?Resources available - Time, budget, and access to usersType of insights needed - Qualitative depth vs. quantitative scale
Research Methods by Type
Common Methods
User Interviews
When to use: Early discovery, understanding user needs and contexts
Participants: 5-8 users per segmentDuration: 45-60 minutes per sessionOutput: Themes, pain points, opportunity areas
View detailed guide →
Usability Testing
When to use: Evaluate interface designs, test task flows
Participants: 5-8 users (sufficient to find 85% of issues)Duration: 30-60 minutes per sessionOutput: Usability issues, success metrics, recommendations
View detailed guide →
Surveys
When to use: Validate findings at scale, measure satisfaction
Participants: 100+ for statistical significanceDuration: 5-10 minutes per responseOutput: Quantitative data, trends, statistical validation
View detailed guide →
Card Sorting
When to use: Organize information architecture, validate navigation
Participants: 15-30 usersDuration: 20-30 minutes per sessionOutput: Mental models, grouping patterns, IA recommendations
View detailed guide →
Diary Studies
When to use: Understand behaviors over time in natural contexts
Participants: 10-20 usersDuration: 1-4 weeksOutput: Contextual insights, behavior patterns, pain points
View detailed guide →
A/B Testing
When to use: Compare design variations, optimize conversion
Participants: Thousands (live traffic)Duration: 1-4 weeks until statistical significanceOutput: Performance metrics, winning variant, confidence intervals
View detailed guide →
Contextual Inquiry
When to use: Observe users in their natural environment
Participants: 6-10 usersDuration: 2-4 hours per sessionOutput: Workflow understanding, environmental factors, opportunities
View detailed guide →
Focus Groups
When to use: Explore attitudes and opinions (use sparingly)
Participants: 6-10 users per groupDuration: 90-120 minutesOutput: Group perspectives, initial reactions, discussion themes
View detailed guide →
Note: Focus groups can be influenced by groupthink. For unbiased
individual perspectives, consider user interviews instead.
Method Selection Framework
Discovery Phase
Goal: Understand the problem space and user needs
User Interviews - Deep understanding of user contextsContextual Inquiry - Observe real-world workflowsDiary Studies - Track behaviors over timeSurveys - Validate assumptions at scale
Design Phase
Goal: Generate and refine design solutions
Card Sorting - Organize information architectureTree Testing - Validate navigation structurePrototype Testing - Test low-fidelity conceptsPreference Testing - Compare design alternatives
Validation Phase
Goal: Test and optimize final designs
Usability Testing - Identify interface issuesA/B Testing - Compare design variationsSurveys - Measure satisfaction and performanceAnalytics Review - Track behavioral metrics
Research Quality Guidelines
Sample Size
Method Minimum Recommended Why Usability Testing 5 5-8 Finds 85% of issues User Interviews 5 5-10 per segment Saturation typically occurs Card Sorting 15 20-30 Statistical patterns emerge Surveys 100 200+ Statistical significance A/B Testing 1000+ 10,000+ Detect small differences
Participant Recruitment
Screen carefully - Ensure participants match target usersAvoid bias - Don't recruit friends or familyOffer compensation - Respect participants' timeDiverse representation - Include various abilities and backgroundsOver-recruit by 20% - Account for no-shows
Research Ethics
Informed consent - Explain purpose, usage, and privacyPrivacy protection - Anonymize data, secure storageRight to withdraw - Participants can stop anytimeAccessibility - Accommodate various needs and abilitiesFair compensation - Pay promptly and appropriately
Templates & Resources
Study Planning
Data Collection
Analysis & Reporting
Best Practices
Planning
Start with clear research questions
Define success metrics upfront
Budget adequate time for analysis
Involve stakeholders early
Conducting Research
Build rapport with participants
Ask open-ended questions
Listen more than you talk
Observe non-verbal cues
Take detailed notes
Analysis
Look for patterns across participants
Distinguish between observations and interpretations
Rate severity of findings
Connect findings to recommendations
Sharing Insights
Tailor presentations to your audience
Use participant quotes and video clips
Make recommendations actionable
Track impact of research
Common Pitfalls
Leading Questions
❌ "Don't you think this button is hard to find?"
Small Sample Sizes
❌ "We interviewed 2 users and they both liked it"
Confirmation Bias
❌ Only sharing findings that support your hypothesis
Research Without Action
❌ Filing away research reports without implementation
Getting Started
New to UX research? Start here:
Learn the basics - Read through method guidesShadow experienced researchers - Observe studies in actionStart small - Conduct 5 user interviewsPractice analysis - Look for patterns in your notesShare findings - Present to your teamIterate - Improve your approach based on feedback
Need Help?
Method selection - Not sure which method to use? Consult with the UXR teamStudy design - Need help planning your research? Use our research plan template Analysis support - Struggling with analysis? Join weekly UXR office hoursTools & software - See our recommended tools guide
Remember: The best research method is the one that answers your research questions within your constraints. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good—done is better than perfect.