saolalab User Research
Research Methods
| Method | When to Use | Output |
|---|---|---|
| User Interviews | Exploratory, understand needs | Insights, quotes |
| Usability Testing | Validate designs | Task success, issues |
| Surveys | Quantitative feedback | Statistics, trends |
| Card Sorting | Information architecture | Mental models |
| A/B Testing | Compare variations | Winner selection |
Interview Guide Template
# Research Study: [Title]
## Objectives
1. Understand [goal 1]
2. Learn about [goal 2]
## Participant Criteria
- [Criterion 1]
- [Criterion 2]
## Interview Questions
### Warm-up (5 min)
- Tell me about yourself and your role
### Core Questions (30 min)
- How do you currently [task]?
- Walk me through the last time you [action]
- What's the hardest part about [problem]?
### Wrap-up (5 min)
- Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Usability Test Protocol
- Introduction — Explain the study, consent
- Warm-up — Background questions
- Tasks — Observe user completing tasks
- Post-task — Difficulty rating, comments
- Debrief — Overall impressions, questions
Research Synthesis
Affinity Mapping
- Write observations on sticky notes
- Group related notes
- Name the groups (themes)
- Identify patterns
Insight Format
We observed [observation]
We believe this is because [hypothesis]
This suggests we should [recommendation]
Participant Recruitment
- Screener questions — Filter for right participants
- Incentives — Appropriate compensation
- Sample size — 5-8 users find 80% of issues
- Diversity — Mix of user types