This week in class, we explored a range of UX research techniques used during the Discovery phase of the design process. We looked at methods such as desk research, competitor analysis, contextual inquiry, affinity mapping, and the differences between qualitative vs quantitative and behavioural vs attitudinal research. These tools help uncover real user needs and define the problem space before jumping into solutions.

Journey Mapping

I decided to explore journey mapping in more detail, as it was something new to me that really caught my interest during class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W13ext26kQ

I watched the "Customer Journey Mapping 101" video by Nielsen Norman Group, which offered a clear and concise overview of the essential components of journey mapping. The video outlines five key elements:

  1. Actor: The specific user or persona experiencing the journey.
  2. Scenario + Expectations: The context and goals driving the user's journey.
  3. Journey Phases: The high-level stages the user goes through.
  4. Actions, Mindsets, and Emotions: Detailed insights into what the user does, thinks, and feels at each stage.
  5. Opportunities: Areas identified for improving the user experience.

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What stood out to me was how journey mapping doesn't just focus on the user's interactions but also considers their emotions and thoughts throughout the process. This holistic approach ensures that designers can identify pain points and areas of delight, leading to more empathetic and effective solutions. Understanding the depth and structure of journey mapping has deepened my appreciation for its role in UX design. It emphasises the importance of viewing the user experience as a comprehensive narrative, rather than isolated interactions. This perspective will undoubtedly influence how I approach design challenges in the future.

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Design Failures That Could Have Been Avoided With Inclusive UX Research

This article by Jacquelyn Iyamah highlights six real-world examples where products failed due to noninclusive UX research and unconscious biases. These failures underscore the importance of considering diverse user experiences in the design process.

6 Design Failures That Could Have Been Avoided with Inclusive UX Research

Key Examples:

  1. Speech-to-Text Software: These tools exhibited higher error rates for Black speakers, indicating a lack of diverse linguistic data in their development.