UX research methods were borrowed from domains like cognitive science, epidemiology, industrial safety and signal theory; some stuck and many did not. Vivek recovers five methods that never quite made mainstream practice — each with a lineage, mechanism and reason it works — moving research from observation into diagnosis: not only that a user was confused, but what kind of confusion, why it recurs, and what to cut at the source. Source: UX Brighton 2026 homepage talk summary.
People
Vivek Gopinath
Methods
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.
SurveysStructured questionnaires at scale to gather attitudes, satisfaction and self-reported behaviour. Useful for breadth and tracking when combined with behavioural research.
Ethnographic ResearchStudying people in real contexts — homes, workplaces, clinics — to understand culture, practices and constraints. Immersion and observation reveal what people actually do, not only what they say.
Insight SynthesisTurning raw notes, clips and data into shared findings — affinity mapping, themes, opportunity areas — so research informs decisions rather than sitting unused.