The work I do,
and business I help.
Traverse
Revolutionizing insurance with a new product tailored to the flexible lifestyles and financial priorities of millennials.
HomeSkillet
To ensure the platform perfectly addresses their needs, I conducted in-depth user testing with real estate agents, shaping every feature to streamline their workflow.
A few things 😎
clients normally ask me:
How do you conduct user research?
- Define Research Goals: The first step is to clearly define what you want to learn from the research. Are you trying to understand user needs, identify pain points, or test the usability of a prototype? Having clear goals helps choose the most effective research methods.
- Select Research Methods: There are many UX research methods, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Common choices include:
- Interviews: One-on-one conversations with users to gain deep insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and motivations.
- Surveys: Questionnaires distributed to a larger group of users to gather quantitative data and identify trends.
- Usability Testing: Observing users interacting with a product or prototype to identify usability issues.
- Card Sorting: Users organize information based on their own logic, revealing how they categorize content.
- A/B Testing: Presenting two versions of a design element to users and measuring which one performs better.
- Recruit Participants: Finding the right people to participate in your research is crucial. They should represent your target user base as closely as possible.
- Conduct the Research: This involves following the chosen research method and collecting data. For example, writing interview questions, designing surveys, or creating a usability testing script.
- Analyze and Synthesize Data: Once data is collected, it needs to be analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and key insights.
How do you balance the needs of the user with the business goals of the project?
- Understand Both Sides Deeply: Conduct thorough user research to understand user needs, frustrations, and motivations. Simultaneously, collaborate with stakeholders to grasp the business objectives, target metrics (e.g., conversion rates, customer satisfaction), and project limitations.
- Prioritize Strategically: Not all user needs and business goals will hold equal weight. Analyze and prioritize based on their impact. For example, a core user need might trump a less critical business feature.
- Find Win-Win Solutions: Look for design solutions that address both user needs and business goals. Maybe a streamlined checkout process (user need) can also increase conversion rates (business goal).
- User-Centered Design Approach: Always prioritize user needs as the foundation. A product that users find delightful and easy to use is more likely to achieve business goals in the long run.
- Iterative Design and Testing: Continuously test and refine your designs with users. This ensures the solutions actually meet user needs while achieving business objectives. User feedback can also reveal additional nee
How do you explain a complex design concept in a way that non-designers can understand?
- Break it Down: Don't overwhelm them with jargon! Deconstruct the concept into smaller, easier-to-grasp pieces. Explain each part simply, using clear and concise language.
- Use Analogies and Real-World Examples: People learn best through relatable examples. Find an analogy or real-world scenario that mirrors the design concept. For instance, explain user interface (UI) hierarchy by comparing it to a grocery store layout, where essential items are placed at eye level for easy access.
- Focus on Benefits: Non-designers might not care about the technical details. Instead, explain how the design concept benefits them. For example, talk about how a responsive website design ensures a great user experience on any device, making it easier for them to find the information they need.
- Visual Aids are Your Friend: A picture (or infographic) is worth a thousand words. Use visuals like diagrams, sketches, or mockups to illustrate the concept. This can make it more concrete and easier to understand.
- Test Your Explanation: Ask someone unfamiliar with design to explain the concept back to you. This helps identify any gaps in your explanation and ensures you've effectively communicated the core idea.
What are your favorite examples of good UI/UX?
- Spotify: It seamlessly switches between my phone, computer, and even my smartwatch, so my music goes wherever I do.
- Google Search: The clean interface with a single search bar makes it easy for anyone to find information online.
- Apple Pay: The contactless payment system with fingerprint or facial recognition offers a smooth and secure checkout experience.
- Duolingo: The language learning app gamifies the process with points, leaderboards, and bite-sized lessons, making it engaging and motivating.
- ATM with voice guidance: These ATMs offer audio instructions for users with visual impairments, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
- Automatic dark mode switching on mobile apps: Many apps adjust the interface to a darker theme at night, reducing eye strain and improving readability.
- Netflix's "Are you still watching?" prompt: This feature helps prevent users from accidentally leaving Netflix running after they've fallen asleep.
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