How to gain brownie points while conducting effective user research

You’ve gained approval; done some clever and creative recruitment; pre-work and pilot studies are done; you’ve collected consent; and your participants are in the room. You’ve made it. But how do you ensure you are getting the most out of them while you’re conducting your activities?

A user researcher will display some essential skills in their toolkit such as great communication skills, being highly empathetic and having a collaborative mindset. But what are the tricks of the trade to really get the most out of your participants once you’ve nabbed some of their precious time? Below are some top tips to get the most out of your research activities:

The power of the biscuit

Conducting an activity in person? Always bring a snack with you to share. Not only will you win (literal) brownie points by offering up a treat to share with your participant, but if conducting something like an interview in person at their place of residence, more often than not, they will respond by popping the kettle on.

This can make for a more informal conversation and put everyone at ease and can start your interview without the formalities or awkwardness (plus, you might get a cuppa out of it).

Let’s role play

If you’ve ever been to a drama improvisation class, you’ll know one of the cardinal rules is “never say no”, always say “yes and…” When a participant is answering a question, try to implement this rule to encourage the expansion of a response. Also, utilize your tone of voice; how might you use your inflections to encourage a response to a question, without actually asking anything specific?

Use your third eye 

Often in research, we refer to research methods as sitting along an attitudinal or behavioral spectrum; and more often than not, we will use a mixed methods approach to cover both of these. However, never miss an opportunity to ‘use your third eye’ and pick up on any subtle or nonverbal cues from your participants to feel the room.

Adapting your approach can extend beyond being merely an observant spectator, but adapting your research based on the reactions of your participants (e.g. look for nonverbal cues such as losing eye contact, facial expressions, body language, delays in response and hand gestures). Do they need a break? Are they unsure of the question? 

Know your limits

Don’t overdo it. Researcher well-being is important. Limit the number of research sessions you’re holding so that you can be super engaged in the interactions you’re having. Don’t underestimate the level of effort required to have fully focused and in-depth conversations with people.

You owe it to your participants to be fully committed to their discussions, so you don’t want to be getting distracted or nod off on your fifth interview of the day. Involve your colleagues by asking them to take notes and record sessions so you can revisit them in the future.

Know your best side

Still operating virtually? Be aware of your camera usage. Yes, looking at the camera while on a virtual call can feel uncomfortable, but try to maintain some eye contact during interactions for a more personable conversation. Adjust your camera angle to make sure you’re square on and your body is showing – at least to your armpits.

You want to make sure you aren’t looking up or down at your participant as not only can this distort your facial features, but it can make you appear imposing or meek, which may affect the interaction. If you have any observers or note-takers, set some ground rules to be on mute and off camera so that the participant isn’t overwhelmed by attendees.