Follow these best practices for gaining user insights.
Gather initial knowledge
Conduct a literature search for published research that's relevant to the problems you're investigating and the target users you're building for. Become familiar with the unique challenges of your target users.
Talk to your target users
Direct engagement with your target users is critical. Conduct user research by interviewing target users to understand their needs, challenges, and how they envision interacting with potential solutions.
Use open-ended questions to encourage storytelling and uncover feelings, motivations, and pain points. Conduct different types of interviews, including:
- Structured interviews: following a strict script.
- Semi-structured onterviews: using a guide but allowing for flexibility.
- Unstructured interviews: more conversational, exploring topics as they arise.
Understand user context and day-to-day needs
Go beyond specific product features and delve into the daily lives and contexts of your target users. Understanding their routines, coping mechanisms, and existing challenges will inspire more relevant design solutions.
Immerse yourself in the experience of your target users
Where practical, build healthy empathy through immersion. You can do this by:
- "Walking a mile" or role-playing: experience the user's situation firsthand to gain a personal understanding of their challenges and context.
- Bodystorming: physically simulating a situation or process to uncover usability issues and user needs.