User Research
Moderated prototype testing
Moderated usability/prototype testing is a usability testing technique that involves the active participation of a trained facilitator or moderator.
Source: Justinmind, “Moderated vs unmoderated usability testing: Which do you need?”
Surveys
A user experience (UX) survey collects quantitative and qualitative data about a user’s interactions and experience with a website or digital product.
Source: hotjar, “How to use UX surveys to gain product experience insights”
Interviews
User interviews are typically performed with the potential users of a design, as part of an ideation phase or during early concept development. User interviews follow a structured methodology whereby the interviewer prepares a number of topics to cover, makes a record of what is said in the interview, and systematically analyzes the conversation after the interview.
Source: Interaction Design Foundation, “User Interviews”
Diary Studies
A diary study is a research method used to collect qualitative data about user behaviors, activities, and experiences over time.
Source: Kim Salazar, “Diary Studies: Understanding Long-Term User Behavior and Experiences”
Focus Groups
In a focus group, you bring together 6–9 users to discuss issues and concerns about the features of a user interface.
Source: Jakob Nielsen, “The Use and Misuse of Focus Groups”