[WD-1.1] Why User Research Matters¶

The Wrong Approach¶

❌ "I like this design, so users will like it"

The Right Approach¶

✅ "What do users actually need? How do they behave?"

📹 Deep Dive: The UX Research Process¶

To understand how these concepts are applied at a professional level, this guide from a Google UX Designer explains the step-by-step approach to gathering objective user data. * Video: Step-by-step user research guide I use at Google as a UX designer

Why It Matters¶

• Users are not designers – Different goals, different pain points
• You are biased – You know your design; users don't
• Testing prevents waste – Find problems early, not after launch
• Evidence beats assumptions – Research reveals what you can't see from your desk

Quick Research Methods¶

3–5 users reveal 85% of usability problems. Start small.

📹 Deep Dive: Choosing Your Method¶

Not all research is the same. This video breaks down the 5 most effective methods for an effective research plan, helping you choose between qualitative (feelings) and quantitative (data) approaches. * Video: 5 User Research Methods for an Effective Research Plan

Personas: Making Users Real¶

A persona is a fictional but realistic user profile.

Name: Alex, 45
Tech level: Comfortable
Goal: Find affordable SaaS tools
Pain point: Overwhelmed by jargon

Why? - Gives a face to abstract users - Prevents designing for yourself - Guides decisions: "Would Alex understand this?"

📹 Deep Dive: How to Create a Persona¶

Learn the 4-step process to turn your research data into a "North Star" for your design, including headers, demographics, goals, and scenarios. * Video: How To Create A User Persona (Video Guide)

From Research to Design¶

1. Research users
2. Create Personas
3. Define Goals
4. Map Flows
5. Draw Wireframes
6. Build Prototypes