Essential UX Research Methods
for Designers

Generative Research

Generative research, also known as exploratory or discovery research, focuses on uncovering user needs, motivations, and pain points. It helps frame the problem space and guides the development of new design concepts. This type of research is typically conducted early in the design process, before a product concept is fully developed.

Key methods in generative research include

• Field Studies: Observing users in their natural environment provides valuable contextual insights into their behavior, which helps in understanding the real-world challenges they face.

• User Interviews: Conducting one-on-one interviews with users helps gather in-depth qualitative data about their experiences, attitudes, and expectations.

• Focus Groups: Engaging a group of users to discuss their experiences and opinions can reveal diverse perspectives and identify common themes  .

Evaluative Research

Evaluative research, on the other hand, assesses and validates existing designs to ensure they meet user expectations and solve the identified problems. This type of research can be conducted throughout the product lifecycle, from early design phases to post-launch.

Common evaluative research methods include:

• Usability Testing: Observing users as they interact with a prototype or product helps identify usability issues and areas for improvement.

• A/B Testing: Comparing two versions of a design to determine which performs better based on predefined metrics.

• Surveys: Collecting feedback from users through structured questionnaires to gather quantitative and qualitative data  .

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

The choice between qualitative and quantitative research depends on the questions you’re trying to answer.

• Qualitative Research: This approach focuses on understanding the ‘why’ behind user behaviors. It involves collecting non-numerical data through methods like user interviews, diary studies, and ethnographic research. Qualitative research provides rich, detailed insights into user motivations, attitudes, and emotions, making it invaluable for understanding complex behaviors and developing empathy .

• Quantitative Research: This approach involves collecting numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically. It answers ‘what,’ ‘where,’ and ‘when’ questions. Methods like surveys, web analytics, and quantitative usability testing fall under this category. Quantitative research helps in identifying patterns, benchmarking performance, and making data-driven decisions .

Combining Research Methods

Using a combination of generative and evaluative research methods, as well as qualitative and quantitative approaches, provides a holistic understanding of users and ensures that designs are both innovative and effective. For example, generative research can inspire new ideas and define the problem space, while evaluative research can refine solutions and verify their effectiveness.

In conclusion, the success of UX design hinges on selecting the right research methods at the right time. By leveraging a diverse set of tools and techniques, UX professionals can create products that truly resonate with users and address their needs.

For more detailed insights and examples of UX research methods, you can refer to the full guide on Maze’s website here.