User research
User research investigates tasks, needs and conditions of use. Observations and their interpretation must be kept clearly separate.
User research investigates how people work, what goals they pursue and where difficulties arise when using an offering. The method follows the question: interviews can explore the background, while observations can reveal a specific workflow.
Example and limits of inference
In a hypothetical warehouse project, a study might examine how staff transfer quantities from a delivery note into an application. The actual action is recorded first; an explanation of problems is kept separate.
Internal assumptions and fictional personas do not replace research with appropriate people. Nor does a small qualitative study show what share of the entire market has a problem. Findings should make their conditions and remaining questions visible.
Sources
Related terms
- User experienceUser experience extends beyond individual screens. A portal example distinguishes the interface from the experience of the wider service.
- Usability testA usability test observes suitable people performing realistic tasks. It examines use and needs a clear scope and well-documented notes.
- Focus orderFocus order determines the route through focusable elements. It should preserve meaning and operability, including during dynamic changes.
- Keyboard trapA keyboard trap leaves keyboard users stuck within a region. Deliberately containing focus in a dialog needs a keyboard-operable exit.
- Skip linkA skip link bypasses repeated navigation and leads to the main content. The destination must also work for subsequent keyboard navigation.
- Accessible nameAn accessible name labels a control for assistive technology. It should explain the action and agree with the visible text.
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