Interviewing users with Steve Portigal
UX Podcast
Deep Dive
How has user research evolved over the past decade according to Steve Portigal?
User research has shifted from being primarily conducted by consultants to being managed by in-house teams. This change has led to more structured research practices, with roles like research leadership and research operations emerging. Additionally, more people without formal research titles are now conducting research, a trend referred to as 'People Who Do Research' (PWDR). The context of research has also evolved, with greater emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and organizational impact.
What are the two new chapters added to the second edition of 'Interviewing Users'?
The two new chapters focus on analysis and synthesis of research data, and how to have an impact and influence within an organization. These topics were briefly acknowledged in the first edition but are now expanded to address the growing need for researchers to effectively analyze data and drive organizational change.
Why did Steve Portigal initially resist writing a second edition of 'Interviewing Users'?
Steve initially resisted because he believed the core principles of interviewing—listening, asking follow-up questions, and understanding body language—were timeless and didn't need updating. However, he later realized that while the fundamentals of interviewing remain the same, the context in which research is conducted has significantly changed, prompting the need for a second edition.
What challenges do in-house research teams face compared to consultants?
In-house teams face challenges like maintaining institutional memory, managing long-term relationships with users, and ensuring research impacts organizational decisions. They also deal with organizational biases and incentives tied to product success, which consultants, being external, can avoid. However, in-house teams benefit from deeper contextual knowledge and the ability to build longitudinal relationships with users.
How has the awareness of privacy and GDPR affected user research practices?
Increased awareness of privacy and GDPR has led to more rigorous consent processes and data management practices in user research. Researchers now need to ensure participants understand what data is being collected, why, and how it will be used. This has also led to the development of creative solutions, such as using videos to explain consent in low-literacy environments, as demonstrated by Sesame Workshop.
What is Steve Portigal's perspective on the future of user research in the next five years?
Steve believes that while there is currently anxiety and uncertainty in the field, particularly due to layoffs and organizational changes, the need for user research will persist. He predicts that the practice will continue to evolve, with a focus on democratization and ensuring that more people, including developers, have exposure to user research. He emphasizes that understanding and caring for users will remain central to successful product development.
What role does ResearchOps play in modern user research organizations?
ResearchOps, a relatively new discipline, helps organizations manage the operational aspects of research, such as compliance, data storage, and participant consent. It ensures that research practices align with legal requirements and organizational needs, making it easier for researchers to focus on their core tasks while maintaining ethical standards.
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