A PM’s Guide to Nailing User Research with Zero UXR Training (with Michele Ronsen)
Mar 11, 2024
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Michele Ronsen, CEO of Curiosity Tank, shares insights on conducting user research without formal training. Topics include effective research planning, stakeholder engagement, implementing research findings in organizations, and enhancing user research skills for product managers.
Research planning is vital for successful user research outcomes, aligning stakeholders on goals and implementation strategies.
Organizing research data proactively allows for effective synthesis and communication of insights to cross-functional teams.
Deep dives
The Importance of Research Planning in User Experience
Research planning is crucial in user experience as it sets the foundation for successful user research. Plans ensure that feedback is gathered from the right people in the right way, asking the right questions that align with business goals. Drafting a research plan involves bringing stakeholders together to identify goals, clarify key questions, and discuss how learnings will be applied. The core takeaway from a research plan is to align stakeholders on what specific learnings are sought, how these learnings will be implemented, and when this data will be used in accordance with broader business objectives.
Creating a Strong Research Plan for Successful User Research
Having a detailed research plan is essential for successful user research outcomes. A robust research plan outlines research goals, actions, key questions, existing knowledge, approach details, recruiting criteria, and budget considerations. Integrating stakeholder feedback during the planning process enhances the plan's effectiveness. The iterative nature of research plans allows for updates based on new learnings or decisions made throughout the research process, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Best Practices for Organizing and Utilizing Research Data Effectively
Proactive organization of research data is crucial for synthesizing insights effectively. The approach for organizing data varies based on research type, team maturity levels, goals, and timeframes. Strategies such as taking notes from recorded sessions and using suitable frameworks aid in managing research findings. Additionally, segmenting insights by functional areas and prioritizing short-term and long-term recommendations facilitate implementation and streamline the communication of research outcomes to cross-functional teams.
User research is an invaluable tool in the world of product management, but what happens when you find yourself in the position of being the de facto user research lead without any formal training?
In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Michele Ronsen—CEO and Founder of Curiosity Tank—to delve into the critical process of user research, a tool that is often underutilized or misunderstood within product development cycles.