Your new cheat sheet for note taking and synthesis
at UX Australia 2023
Type
talk
As a UXR I spend a lot of time note-taking and would love to share a note-taking strategy that saves my team and I a HEAP of time (and money). The new strategy is visual (which clients love), quick to synthesise (which researchers love), and easily translates findings into design recommendations (which designers love).
People
Amelia Purvis
Methods
Insight SynthesisTurning raw notes, clips and data into shared findings — affinity mapping, themes, opportunity areas — so research informs decisions rather than sitting unused.
Usability TestingUsability testing reveals where people struggle while attempting realistic tasks with a prototype or service. In a moderated session, a researcher observes the participant and may ask them to explain their thinking. Use it to investigate confusing language, layouts or interactions and identify improvements. Agree research questions, recruit likely users and prepare believable tasks that do not reveal the solution. Explain that the service is being tested, then mostly watch and listen rather than guiding participants. Record observations and follow up on unclear behaviour. Plan accessible sessions, including participants’ own assistive technology when appropriate.
WhiteboardingCollaborative sketching and structuring of ideas on a shared board (physical or digital) to explore options, align a group and create a visible shared model of the problem or solution.