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In the past two articles of our UX series, we have summarized the importance of user research, how user-centered design is related to it, and what added value can be achieved by it. This article is about the selection of established user research methods. We present which methods are available and explain two methods in more detail.
Card sorting is a method to make the navigation of an application user-friendly and to ensure that it contains only terms that are understood by the target group.
Usage
Often used to create navigation structures from the user's point of view or to check existing navigation structures.
Implementation
The subjects group the cards in an arrangement that is logical for them and give the categories a name themselves (open card sorting) or the categories are predetermined (closed card sorting)
Stage
Analysis
Effort
Medium
Preparation
Write function terms, menu items on individual cards/Post-It.
Nice-to-know: The card sorting method can be modified to e.g. filter out functions. The procedure is similar, except that users sort important functions of an application from top to bottom according to their perception (prioritization).
Step 1: Collect points
Step 2: Optimize grouping and naming
Step 3: Define generic terms
Usage
Clarifies the needs of the target group and helps to analyze goals.
Implementation
It is a good idea to create a separate stakeholder map for each stakeholder. The target group divides functions, wishes, etc. into three areas: Must-Have, Should-Have and Nice-to-Have.
Phase
Analysis
Effort
Low
Preparation
Prepare stakeholder map, define target groups (stakeholders)
We asked our office staff to prioritize the functions of a coffee machine. In the process, we surveyed 3 different user groups: classic coffee drinkers, tea drinkers, and our team assistant, who also takes care of coffee machine maintenance, among other things. These are the results:
Stakeholder Map: Coffee Drinkers
Stakeholder Map: Tea Drinkers
Stakeholder Map: Team Assistance
As can be seen from the various stakeholder maps, the needs and desires of the stakeholders are very different. For example, it is very important (must-have) for people from the coffee drinker target group that the coffee machine can make both coffee and espresso. For our team assistant, it is very important that the coffee machine cleans itself fully automatically. This shows us how important it is not to focus on just one target group.
