user-research-techniques

# User Research Techniques

## Overview

Comprehensive guide to qualitative and quantitative research methods for understanding users, validating ideas, and informing product decisions.

## When to Use This Skill

**Auto-loaded by agents**:
- `research-ops` - For research methods, planning, and best practices

**Use when you need**:
- Planning research studies
- Choosing research methods
- Conducting interviews or tests
- Analyzing research data
- Validating product decisions

## Research Methods Matrix

```
           Quantitative ← → Qualitative
           (What & How Many)  (Why & How)
              │
Behavioral ─┼─ Analytics        Usability Testing
(What they  │  Surveys          Field Studies
  do)       │  A/B Tests        Diary Studies
              │
Attitudinal ─┼─ Surveys          Interviews
(What they  │  NPS              Focus Groups
  say)      │  Questionnaires   Concept Tests
```

## Qualitative Methods

### 1. User Interviews

**Types**:
- **Discovery**: Understand problems and needs
- **Validation**: Test solution fit
- **Evaluative**: Assess existing product

**Best Practices**:
- Open-ended questions
- Listen more than talk (80/20 rule)
- Ask "why" 5 times
- Avoid leading questions
- Record and take notes

**Interview Structure** (60 min):
```
Introduction (5 min)
- Build rapport
- Explain purpose
- Get consent

Warm-up (5 min)
- Background questions
- Context setting

Main Questions (40 min)
- Behavioral: "Walk me through..."
- Pain points: "Tell me about a time when..."
- Goals: "What are you trying to achieve?"

Wrap-up (10 min)
- Anything missed?
- Who else to talk to?
- Thank you
```

**Sample Questions**:
```
Discovery:
- "Walk me through the last time you [task]"
- "What's most frustrating about [process]?"
- "Tell me about a time when [problem] occurred"

Validation:
- [Show concept] "What's your initial reaction?"
- "How would you use this?"
- "What concerns do you have?"
```

---

### 2. Usability Testing

**Types**:
- **Moderated**: Fa