Three Need-finding Strategies
What is need-finding?
Need-finding is watching and asking people to learn about their goals and values to be able to uncover user needs and opportunities for improvements.
Robert McKim developed the theory behind need-finding at Stanford University in the 1970s
1. User Interview
If you are reading this you already know how user interview works. Just a quick definition
A user interview is a research technique used to gather information and insights from individuals who are representative of a target user group or audience. It is a qualitative research method commonly used in fields such as user experience design, product development, market research, and usability testing.
2. Diary Studies
Diary studies are a common research method used in the field of User Experience (UX) design. They involve asking participants to document their experiences, thoughts, and interactions with a product or service over a specified period of time. Diary studies provide valuable insights into users' daily routines, needs, and pain points, allowing UX designers to gain a deeper understanding of their target audience.
Use Case
Let's consider an example of a diary study in the context of a mobile banking application. The goal of the study is to understand the user experience of individuals who regularly use the app for managing their finances.
Participants record their experiences using the mobile banking app in the provided platform.
They document each interaction, such as checking account balances, making transactions, setting up bill payments, or contacting customer support.
Participants can note their thoughts, emotions, and any difficulties or frustrations they encounter during their interactions. It can be audio or video.
They are encouraged to capture screenshots or take photos if it helps illustrate their experiences.
3. Experience Sampling
Experience sampling is a research method used to collect data on individuals' subjective experiences and behaviors in their natural environments. It involves periodically sampling participants' experiences and activities throughout their daily lives using various techniques, such as questionnaires, diaries, or mobile applications.
The goal is to capture real-time information about individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they occur, rather than relying on retrospective accounts or generalizations.
Use Case
Let's say a group of researchers is interested in studying the relationship between stress levels and productivity in the workplace. They decide to employ an experience sampling method to collect data from participants throughout their workday.
Throughout the workday, participants receive several prompts at random intervals (e.g. six times per day) on their smartphones. These prompts ask participants to rate their current stress level on a scale of 1 to 10.
Participants may be asked to report other relevant variables, such as their current task, the level of interruption they experienced, or their perceived productivity at that moment.
When participants receive a prompt, they open the app and provide the requested information by selecting options or entering text.
Summary
User interviews involve direct conversations with participants to uncover insights into their experiences, preferences, and pain points, providing qualitative data. Diary studies require participants to document their interactions and experiences with a product or service over time, offering detailed longitudinal insights into user behavior. Experience Sampling involves collecting real-time data through periodic prompts, capturing users' immediate thoughts and feelings, and allowing for a nuanced understanding of their interactions. These strategies collectively facilitate comprehensive need-finding in UX design, aiding in the development of user-centered solutions.