Member-only story
The ultimate UX Research cheat sheet
How to combine UX Research and Design Thinking in a useful way.
TL;DR: This article has the following purpose:
- List the top UX Research methods
- Show when to use them in the Design Thinking Circle
- Describe each one briefly
- Link to additional information for each method
This cheat sheet is intended to provide inspiration and guidance as to when what kind of research is appropriate. However, it is important to understand that it is not a rigid structure. Sometimes things can shift or make more sense at a different point in time. Not all methods are always possible right away but can demand technical support (e.g. tracking, AB testing). Also, this is not a list of things you MUST do, it is a toolbox from which you can pick the tools that are most relevant for you and the environment you are working in.
The overview consists of 3 connected levels:
- Research phases
- Design Thinking phases
- Appropriate research methods
Phase 1 — Understand
We begin our journey in doing everything to better understand our customers. We want to learn everything about their needs and pain points.
In the first step, “Empathize”, we, therefore, want to be able to better put ourselves in the users’ shoes, experience what they say, think, feel and hence understand their basic needs and desires. This also includes a better understanding of our company and its underlying business needs. The following research methods are suitable for this:
