Design and product work
User research
Also calledUX research, Design research
Studying the people who use a product, through interviews, observation, testing and surveys, to understand what they need and where they struggle.
User research comes in two broad kinds. Generative research explores the problem: what people are trying to do and why. Evaluative research tests a solution: can people use it, and does it do what they need.
Methods range from interviews and field visits to usability tests, card sorts, tree tests and surveys. The method matters less than asking a clear question and acting on the answer.
Common mistake
Running research to confirm a decision that has already been made. If no result would change the plan, the study is theatre.