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    Field studies

    Definition

    Observing users in their natural environment to understand real-life interactions with a product or service.

    When to Use

    Conduct field studies to observe users in their real environment to capture authentic behaviors.

    How to Perform

    1. Define goals and decide on the context to study.
    2. Prepare observation guidelines.
    3. Observe and take notes without interrupting.
    4. Analyze data for insights.

    Template Sources

    Nielsen Norman Group and UX Design Institute provide downloadable field study templates.

    Customer feedback

    Definition

    Collecting feedback directly from users about their experience with your product.

    When to Use

    Use customer feedback to understand user satisfaction and identify areas needing improvement.

    How to Perform

    1. Use surveys, reviews, or customer service channels to gather feedback.
    2. Analyze feedback for recurring themes.
    3. Make design adjustments based on user suggestions.

    Template Sources

    Intercom, Qualtrics, and Zendesk can help collect customer feedback.

    Desirability studies

    Definition

    Testing that focuses on the emotional appeal of a design to determine how desirable users find it.

    When to Use

    Use desirability studies to ensure your design evokes the desired emotional response.

    How to Perform

    1. Present users with the design.
    2. Ask for feedback on aesthetics, appeal, and preferences.
    3. Use results to improve the design’s emotional resonance.

    Template Sources

    Tools like UsabilityHub and Qualtrics can be used for desirability studies.

    Session recording

    Definition

    Recording user sessions to observe behaviors and understand where they encounter issues.

    When to Use

    Use session recordings to gather qualitative insights on user interactions.

    How to Perform

    1. Use software to record interactions on the screen.
    2. Review recordings for insights on usability issues.
    3. Use findings to improve problem areas in the design.

    Template Sources

    Hotjar, FullStory, and Smartlook offer session recording tools.

    Analytics reviews

    Definition

    Analyzing website or app analytics data to understand user behavior and make informed design decisions.

    When to Use

    Use analytics reviews for data-driven insights into user behavior.

    How to Perform

    1. Review metrics (e.g., bounce rate, time on page).
    2. Identify trends and areas needing improvement.
    3. Apply insights to refine design or content.

    Template Sources

    Google Analytics, Mixpanel, and Heap Analytics provide robust tracking and analysis tools.

    Click tracking

    Definition

    Recording where users click within a webpage or app to see which elements attract attention.

    When to Use

    Use click tracking to identify popular and underutilized areas in your interface.

    How to Perform

    1. Install click-tracking software.
    2. Collect data on click patterns and frequency.
    3. Use insights to improve layout and interaction design.

    Template Sources

    Crazy Egg, Hotjar, and FullStory offer click-tracking features.

    Eye tracking

    Definition

    A technique that measures where users look on a screen to understand attention and visual focus.

    When to Use

    Use eye tracking to optimize layouts and visual hierarchy.

    How to Perform

    1. Use eye-tracking software or hardware to track users’ gaze.
    2. Analyze heatmaps to see where users focus most.
    3. Make design changes to emphasize key areas.

    Template Sources

    Tobii, Lookback, and Gaze Recorder support eye-tracking tests.

    A/B testing

    Definition

    A method that compares two versions of a design to see which performs better.

    When to Use

    Use A/B testing to test small changes and choose the most effective design option.

    How to Perform

    1. Create two versions of a design element (A and B).
    2. Randomly assign users to each version.
    3. Measure performance metrics (e.g., clicks, conversions) to determine the winner.

    Template Sources

    Optimizely, Google Optimize, and Adobe Target provide A/B testing tools.

    Surveys

    Definition

    A set of questions sent to users to gather quantitative and qualitative data about their experience and preferences.

    When to Use

    Use surveys to gather feedback from a larger audience about user needs, preferences, or pain points.

    How to Perform

    1. Draft concise, clear questions aligned with your goals.
    2. Distribute the survey to target users.
    3. Analyze responses for trends and actionable insights.

    Template Sources

    Google Forms, Typeform, and SurveyMonkey offer survey templates.

    Usability Benchmarking

    Definition

    Setting measurable usability standards to compare a product’s performance over time or against similar products.

    When to Use

    Use usability benchmarking to evaluate progress in improving user experience.

    How to Perform

    1. Define metrics (e.g., task completion rate, time on task).
    2. Conduct initial tests to set baseline data.
    3. Use benchmarks to track improvements over time or against competitors.

    Template Sources

    Tools like Google Analytics, Crazy Egg, and Hotjar can assist in gathering benchmarking data.

    Cognitive walkthrough

    Definition

    A usability evaluation where designers or experts walk through tasks to anticipate potential user challenges and errors.

    When to Use

    Use cognitive walkthroughs early in the design process to identify usability issues before user testing.

    How to Perform

    1. Define tasks from a new user’s perspective.
    2. Step through each task, considering how easily a user could understand it.
    3. Identify areas of confusion or obstacles and note suggestions for improvement.

    Template Sources

    UX tools like Lucidchart and Figma can help structure task flows for cognitive walkthroughs.

    Unmoderated testing

    Definition

    Testing without a facilitator, where users complete tasks independently.

    When to Use

    Use unmoderated testing to reach a larger audience remotely.

    How to Perform

    1. Set up tasks and questions for users.
    2. Let users complete tasks without guidance.
    3. Analyze data to improve UX.

    Template Sources

    Maze, UserZoom, and UserTesting support unmoderated testing.

    Participatory design

    Definition

    Involving users directly in the design process.

    When to Use

    Use participatory design for user-centered solutions.

    How to Perform

    1. Include users in brainstorming or prototyping.
    2. Gather ideas and feedback firsthand.
    3. Refine design based on user input.

    Template Sources

    Miro and Figma for collaborative workshops.

    Heuristic evaluation

    Definition

    An expert review of a product’s usability based on predefined heuristics.

    When to Use

    Use heuristic evaluations to identify usability issues in a structured way.

    How to Perform

    1. Define heuristics (e.g., Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics).
    2. Evaluate the design for compliance.
    3. Document issues for improvement.

    Template Sources

    Nielsen Norman Group provides guidelines on heuristics.

    Moderated testing

    Definition

    Testing with a facilitator present to guide users through tasks.

    When to Use

    Use moderated testing for in-depth feedback with direct user interaction.

    How to Perform

    1. Prepare tasks and questions.
    2. Guide users and observe their interactions.
    3. Collect detailed feedback for improvement.

    Template Sources

    Lookback, UserTesting, and Zoom for remote moderated sessions.

    Paper prototypes

    Definition

    Basic, low-fidelity sketches used to test concepts quickly.

    When to Use

    Use early in the design process for rapid testing and feedback.

    How to Perform

    1. Sketch screens on paper.
    2. Have users “navigate” the paper prototype.
    3. Note feedback and refine.

    Template Sources

    No software needed—only pen and paper.

    Guerilla testing

    Definition

    Quick, informal testing conducted in public spaces.

    When to Use

    Use guerilla testing for quick feedback with minimal setup.

    How to Perform

    1. Approach people and ask them to complete a task.
    2. Observe and take notes on behavior.
    3. Use feedback to make rapid adjustments.

    Template Sources

    Any prototype tool (Figma, Adobe XD) can be used for guerilla testing.

    5-Second test

    Definition

    A quick test to capture users’ first impressions of a design.

    When to Use

    Use early in design to ensure key messages are clear.

    How to Perform

    1. Show the design for 5 seconds.
    2. Ask users what they remember or thought about it.
    3. Use feedback to evaluate clarity.

    Template Sources

    UsabilityHub and Lookback have 5-second test features.

    First click test

    Definition

    A usability test to see where users click first when trying to complete a task.

    When to Use

    Use to evaluate the intuitiveness of the design's clickable elements.

    How to Perform

    1. Present users with a screen or layout.
    2. Ask them to complete a task.
    3. Track the first click to determine usability.

    Template Sources

    UsabilityHub and Maze support first click testing.

    Wizard of oz

    Definition

    A method where a human secretly simulates the product’s functionality to test it with users.

    When to Use

    Use for testing complex ideas before building backend systems.

    How to Perform

    1. Define the tasks and functionality.
    2. Use a human “operator” to simulate responses.
    3. Gather insights without building complex tech.

    Template Sources

    Can be facilitated with basic prototyping tools like Figma and Miro.

    Service blueprint

    Definition

    A visual map that outlines the full process of service delivery, both user-facing and behind-the-scenes.

    When to Use

    Use service blueprints to design or optimize complex, service-based experiences.

    How to Perform

    1. Define user actions and touchpoints.
    2. Map supporting activities and systems.
    3. Identify opportunities to improve service.

    Template Sources

    Miro, UXPressia, and Lucidchart offer templates for service blueprints.

    Concept testing

    Definition

    Testing early-stage ideas or concepts to get user feedback before investing in development.

    When to Use

    Use concept testing before committing to new ideas to ensure they resonate with users.

    How to Perform

    1. Present users with the concept.
    2. Gather feedback on feasibility and value.
    3. Refine based on insights.

    Template Sources

    UsabilityHub and Google Forms for simple concept testing surveys.

    Cognitive map

    Definition

    A mental model that visualizes how users understand and relate concepts within a system.

    When to Use

    Use cognitive maps to design information architecture that aligns with user expectations.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify related concepts and tasks.
    2. Map connections based on user mental models.
    3. Use to align your design with users’ understanding.

    Template Sources

    Miro, Lucidchart, and Coggle offer templates for cognitive mapping.

    Scenario map

    Definition

    A map that outlines hypothetical user situations and their paths to achieving goals.

    When to Use

    Use scenario maps during ideation to visualize how users might interact with your product.

    How to Perform

    1. Define a user scenario and goal.
    2. Map steps and interactions to reach the goal.
    3. Use it to refine paths and highlight improvements.

    Template Sources

    Miro, Mural, and Figma support scenario mapping.

    User journey

    Definition

    A visual representation of the user’s experience across different stages of interaction.

    When to Use

    Use a user journey map to understand and improve the overall experience.

    How to Perform

    1. Define key stages from awareness to post-use.
    2. Outline user actions, feelings, and pain points.
    3. Identify areas to improve or optimize.

    Template Sources

    UXPressia, Miro, and Adobe XD offer user journey templates.

    Card sorting

    Definition

    A technique where users organize items into categories that make sense to them.

    When to Use

    Use card sorting to inform information architecture decisions.

    How to Perform

    1. Create a list of content or features.
    2. Have users group items and label categories.
    3. Use insights to structure your site or app.

    Template Sources

    Optimal Workshop and UXPressia provide card sorting templates.

    Tree testing

    Definition

    A usability technique to evaluate how well users can find information within a website’s hierarchy.

    When to Use

    Use tree testing when designing or validating site navigation.

    How to Perform

    1. Present users with a simplified menu structure.
    2. Give them tasks to locate specific items.
    3. Analyze success rates and adjust structure as needed.

    Template Sources

    Optimal Workshop and Maze offer tools for tree testing.

    User flows

    Definition

    A diagram that shows the steps users take to complete a task in a product.

    When to Use

    Use user flows during the design phase to visualize and optimize paths.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify the starting point and end goal.
    2. Map out each step and decision point along the way.
    3. Use it to streamline user paths and remove obstacles.

    Template Sources

    Figma, Adobe XD, and Lucidchart have templates for user flows.

    Mind map

    Definition

    A visual tool that organizes ideas and concepts around a central topic.

    When to Use

    Use mind maps during brainstorming sessions to organize thoughts and ideas.

    How to Perform

    1. Start with a main idea in the center.
    2. Branch out related ideas and subtopics.
    3. Use it to explore all related aspects of a concept.

    Template Sources

    Miro, Lucidchart, and MindMeister offer mind-mapping templates.

    Customer journey map

    Definition

    A visualization of the user’s journey through each stage of interaction with the product.

    When to Use

    Use journey maps to outline the user’s interactions, emotions, and pain points across the journey.

    How to Perform

    1. Define the key stages and touchpoints.
    2. Outline user goals, actions, and emotions at each stage.
    3. Identify pain points to improve.

    Template Sources

    UXPressia, Miro, and Adobe XD offer journey mapping templates.

    Problem statement

    Definition

    A clear definition of the problem being solved.

    When to Use

    Use a problem statement to clarify the main challenge your design aims to address.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify the user, need, and problem.
    2. Craft a statement that outlines the core issue.
    3. Use the problem statement as a focal point.

    Template Sources

    Design Thinking and IDEO websites provide templates for crafting problem statements.

    Assumption map

    Definition

    A tool to organize and prioritize assumptions that need validation.

    When to Use

    Use assumption maps to prioritize assumptions that need validation.

    How to Perform

    1. List assumptions about users and product success.
    2. Map assumptions on a grid of importance and certainty.
    3. Test high-impact, uncertain assumptions first.

    Template Sources

    Miro and UXPin have assumption mapping templates.

    Experience map

    Definition

    A visual that outlines the end-to-end user journey and touchpoints.

    When to Use

    Use experience maps to visualize the user journey and touchpoints across a product.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify all touchpoints from start to finish.
    2. Map emotions and actions for each stage.
    3. Analyze for opportunities to improve experience.

    Template Sources

    Smaply, UXPressia, and Miro offer experience map templates.

    POV statement

    Definition

    A focused statement articulating the user’s problem.

    When to Use

    Create POV statements to distill a user’s core problem and need into a focused insight.

    How to Perform

    1. Define the user, need, and insight.
    2. Create a statement: “User needs a way to… because…”
    3. Use it to guide ideation.

    Template Sources

    IDEO and Stanford d.school provide POV statement frameworks.

    Empathy map

    Definition

    A visual tool to understand user emotions, thoughts, and needs.

    When to Use

    Use empathy maps to capture users’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    How to Perform

    1. Draw a map with sections: Think, Feel, Say, Do.
    2. Populate each section with insights about users.
    3. Use it to design with empathy.

    Template Sources

    Miro, Mural, and UXPressia have empathy map templates.

    Task analysis

    Definition

    Breaking down tasks to understand user actions and goals.

    When to Use

    Conduct task analysis when you need to understand specific actions users take to accomplish goals.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify key tasks users perform.
    2. Break tasks down into individual steps.
    3. Analyze steps for usability improvements.

    Template Sources

    Nielsen Norman Group and Lucidchart offer task analysis templates.

    Storyboards

    Definition

    Visual narratives showing a user’s journey through a product.

    When to Use

    Use storyboards to visually map out the user’s journey through a product.

    How to Perform

    1. Define key moments in the user journey.
    2. Create a series of images representing each step.
    3. Use the storyboard to visualize and improve user flow.

    Template Sources

    Canva and Adobe XD provide storyboard templates.

    Affinity map

    Definition

    Grouping research findings into categories to identify themes.

    When to Use

    Use affinity mapping to organize data and identify patterns after user research.

    How to Perform

    1. Gather research notes.
    2. Cluster related ideas into groups.
    3. Label groups with themes to identify patterns.

    Template Sources

    Miro and Mural have templates specifically for affinity mapping exercises.

    User stories

    Definition

    Short statements from the user’s perspective describing a need or task.

    When to Use

    Use user stories to outline user needs from a development perspective, especially in agile projects.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify a user need or task.
    2. Write a user story using “As a [user], I want to [do something] so that [goal].”
    3. Use stories to prioritize features.

    Template Sources

    Jira and Trello include templates for writing user stories.

    Narraitives

    Definition

    Storytelling techniques to describe user experiences and emotional journeys.

    When to Use

    Use narratives to create relatable stories that convey user experiences.

    How to Perform

    1. Use insights from research to create a story.
    2. Describe a user's journey with emotions and actions.
    3. Use the narrative to empathize and guide designs.

    Template Sources

    Miro and Milanote have narrative storytelling templates for UX.

    Persona

    Definition

    A fictional representation of a user archetype based on research to inform design decisions.

    When to Use

    Create personas to represent user archetypes, guiding design decisions and empathizing with the target audience.

    How to Perform

    1. Analyze user data to find common patterns.
    2. Develop a fictional character that embodies these traits.
    3. Use the persona to guide design decisions.

    Template Sources

    UXPressia, Figma, and Adobe XD offer customizable persona templates.

    Stakeholder interviews

    Definition

    Talking to stakeholders to gather requirements, expectations, and constraints for the project.

    When to Use

    Conduct stakeholder interviews at the start of a project to understand business goals and priorities.

    How to Perform

    1. Define objectives and prepare questions.
    2. Schedule and conduct interviews with stakeholders.
    3. Summarize key insights and prioritize them in the design process.

    Template Sources

    Miro and Lucidchart provide templates for stakeholder interview frameworks.

    Customer feedback

    Definition

    Collecting input from users about their experiences to understand their satisfaction and pain points.

    When to Use

    Use customer feedback to gain insight into users' likes, dislikes, and improvement suggestions.

    How to Perform

    1. Define the objective and target audience.
    2. Write clear, unbiased questions.
    3. Choose a survey platform.
    4. Distribute the survey to the audience.
    5. Analyze responses to identify trends.

    Template Sources

    Customer feedback platforms like Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey have customizable templates.

    Contextual inquiry

    Definition

    Observing users and asking questions in their environment to understand their workflows and challenges.

    When to Use

    Use contextual inquiry to observe and understand users in the context of their environment.

    How to Perform

    1. Schedule a session in the user’s environment.
    2. Observe them using the product, asking questions as needed.
    3. Document findings and analyze for improvement areas.

    Template Sources

    Nielsen Norman Group and Usertesting.com offer templates for contextual inquiries.

    Analytics reviews

    Definition

    Evaluating data from tools like Google Analytics to learn about user behavior on digital platforms.

    When to Use

    Conduct an analytics review when you want to understand user behaviors on your platform.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify the key metrics to review.
    2. Access your analytics platform and collect data.
    3. Interpret data insights to inform decisions.

    Template Sources

    Built-in templates in platforms like Google Analytics and Amplitude.

    Context mapping

    Definition

    Visualizing the user’s context, including factors that influence their experience, to understand their ecosystem.

    When to Use

    Use context mapping to visualize external factors impacting the user experience.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify the key elements affecting the user.
    2. Create a map that places users in the center with factors around them.
    3. Use the map to identify influential factors for product design.

    Template Sources

    Miro and Mural offer context mapping templates.

    Metrics analysis

    Definition

    Reviewing quantitative data (e.g., KPIs) to understand product performance and user behavior.

    When to Use

    Reviewing quantitative data (e.g., KPIs) to understand product performance and user behavior.

    How to Perform

    1. Identify relevant metrics (e.g., conversion rate).
    2. Use analytics tools to gather data.
    3. Analyze data trends and correlate findings to user experience.

    Template Sources

    Reviewing quantitative data (e.g., KPIs) to understand product performance and user behavior.

    User Interviews

    Definition

    One-on-one conversations with users to understand their needs, behaviors, and preferences.

    When to Use

    Use interviews to gather deep insights into user motivations, preferences, and pain points.

    How to Perform

    1. Define interview goals and prepare open-ended questions.
    2. Recruit participants who represent your target audience.
    3. Conduct interviews, asking follow-up questions for clarity.
    4. Analyze responses for themes.

    Template Sources

    Airtable and HubSpot offer user interview templates.

    Diary Studies

    Definition

    Users document their experiences over time, revealing insights into their habits and interactions with a product.

    When to Use

    Diary studies work well for understanding long-term or habitual user behaviors.

    How to Perform

    1. Decide the duration and frequency for users to record entries.
    2. Give users a structured format to log their experiences.
    3. Collect entries and analyze them to find patterns.

    Template Sources

    UX Templates and Dovetail offer templates and tools for diary studies.

    Surveys

    Definition

    Surveys gather quantitative or qualitative data from a large group of users via a structured set of questions.

    When to Use

    Use surveys when you need quantitative data or quick feedback from a large group.

    How to Perform

    1. Define the objective and target audience.
    2. Write clear, unbiased questions.
    3. Choose a survey platform.
    4. Distribute the survey to the audience.
    5. Analyze responses to identify trends.

    Template Sources

    Google Forms, Typeform, and SurveyMonkey offer templates for various survey types.