# User Research

> User research methods and synthesis. Use when planning research, conducting interviews, or analyzing findings.

- Skill: `saolalab/user-research` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add saolalab/user-research`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/saolalab/user-research/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: saolalab (https://skillmd.com/u/saolalab)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/saolalab/user-research

---


# 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

```markdown
# 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

1. **Introduction** — Explain the study, consent
2. **Warm-up** — Background questions
3. **Tasks** — Observe user completing tasks
4. **Post-task** — Difficulty rating, comments
5. **Debrief** — Overall impressions, questions

## Research Synthesis

### Affinity Mapping
1. Write observations on sticky notes
2. Group related notes
3. Name the groups (themes)
4. 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