I have experience leading UX Research across current product, growth, future vision, memberships. I employ both Qualitative and Quantitative methods, Generative and Evaluative. Below is a simplified version of my process.
Gathering information
Before starting any research documents, I first meet with all relevant stakeholders to the project. This may include Project/Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, etc.
In this meeting, we will discuss the problem, goal, timeline, and deliverable(s) needed.
Research planning
After I have all the necessary information, I organize it in a planning document that details problems, goals, teams, artifacts needed, timelines, and research methods & outlines.
This is where I absorb the purpose of this research and how the information I gather will impact the team.
Recruiting and material preparation
Once the plan is finished and the materials are outlined, I start recruiting as this can be the most time-consuming part of the process.
As I’m recruiting, I create necessary conversation guides and/or questions for unmoderated tests and review them with leadership.
Scheduling and conducting research
Recruiting and scheduling go hand in hand, and depending on the amount of participants, I may dedicate an entire week to just conducting research. This involves moderated and unmoderated research, guided activities, etc.
This is a time where participants may drop out or not show up. I compensate for this by having backup candidates and extra time slots.
Before proceeding, I review this plan with the relevant stakeholders for cohesion.
Analyzing research
I will usually record a transcript or take notes during a session (the former preferred). After each session, I’ll write a quick summary with any important notes.
Once I have all participant data, I begin affinity mapping. This can be done via post-its on a board, alone or ideally with a small stakeholder group, or via transcript notes with important themes and Rose/Bud/Thorn-style tags. The most important factor here is to recognize data directly related to the original problem. There are several different methods of analysis depending on the research plan used.
Presenting Research and Impact
Once analysis is completed, I will start compiling the relevant research in a presentation report or deck. I normally use a slide deck due to its easy presentation and sharing capabilities.
I hold one to multiple research readout sessions for stakeholder teams for Q&A, and will record these sessions as well. Afterwards, I stay in contact with stakeholders as designs are created/updated for impact and future research needs.
I categorize research into an existing repository, or, if it doesn’t exist, begin consolidating information and standardizing to make one.