Episode 177: The Evolution of User Research: A Conversation with Steve Portigal, Author of Interviewing Users
Jun 26, 2024
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Author Steve Portigal discusses the evolution of user research from in-person to remote methods. They touch on the challenges and advantages of remote interviews, such as geographical diversity and context understanding. They also highlight the role of active listening and common mistakes in user interviews.
The shift to remote user research allows for greater geographical diversity in participant selection, overcoming traditional urban-centric biases.
Effective collaboration between hardware and software leaders is essential to align development cycles and ensure synchronized product updates.
Strategic planning and interactive pre-research activities are essential to maintain rapport and contextual understanding in remote user research.
Deep dives
Understanding the Value of User Researchers
Recognizing the significance of user researchers in companies despite recent layoffs due to undervaluation, the podcast explores best practices for user research. The discussion with guest Steve Portagel emphasizes the importance of incorporating user researchers into product development strategies, highlighting their unique value alongside product managers.
Managing Product Development for Hardware-Software Integration
Addressing the complexities of product management for hardware and software integration, the episode stresses the importance of close collaboration between leaders of both domains. By navigating distinct development timeframes and update cycles, the episode underscores the need for synchronized strategies and effective communication to align software updates with hardware requirements.
Enhancing Remote User Research Methods
Exploring the evolution of user research methodologies post-pandemic, the podcast discusses the shift towards remote research and its implications on inclusivity and data collection. Acknowledging the benefits of remote work in facilitating diverse participant samples, the episode highlights challenges in maintaining rapport and contextual understanding, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and interactive pre-research activities for effective data gathering.
Importance of Research Questions in Product Strategy
Understanding the business challenge and crafting relevant research questions is crucial for developing a successful product strategy. By identifying specific research questions related to user interactions and satisfaction, companies can tailor their products to meet customer needs effectively. Research methods, such as interviews and discussion guides, play a vital role in uncovering valuable insights and guiding product development.
Significance of User Research and Training in Organizations
User research plays a pivotal role in driving decision-making and shaping product strategies within organizations. User researchers not only conduct research but also mentor and coach others, ensuring a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Training product managers and UX designers in effective research methodologies and involving them in research initiatives can enhance the overall quality of research outcomes and contribute to making informed business decisions.
In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, host Melissa Perri celebrates the updated ten-year anniversary edition of Interviewing Users with author Steve Portigal. Steve explains what has changed in those ten years, and why this was a necessary update.
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