Insights Unlocked
Mastering UX research: from analysis to actionable insights with Steve Portigal
04 Nov 2024
Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Steve Portigal, a seasoned user researcher, author, and host of the Dollars to Donuts podcast, to discuss how the field of user research has evolved over the past 20 years. Steve shares his unique perspective on the significant changes that have shaped the industry, from the rise of in-house research teams to the impact of remote work on research methodologies. He also delves into the crucial difference between analysis and synthesis in research and offers practical advice for improving research outcomes. Whether you’re a new researcher or a seasoned expert, Steve’s insights will help you navigate the dynamic and sometimes challenging world of UX research. Key Themes and Ideas: The Growth of User Research: Steve reflects on how user research has grown from a niche, obscure practice to a well-established community of professionals. This growth has led to increased knowledge sharing through conferences, books, meetups, and podcasts, creating a stronger foundation for collective learning and debate. The Shift from Agencies to In-House Research Teams: One of the biggest shifts Steve discusses is the transition from research being outsourced to agencies and consultants to now being managed by in-house teams. While this change has brought research closer to the core of business decisions, it has also altered the dynamics of advocacy and how researchers communicate findings within organizations. The Impact of Remote Work and Research: With the rise of remote work, especially during the pandemic, remote research has become the default method. While this has expanded opportunities for inclusion and collaboration, Steve cautions that the loss of in-person interactions may limit researchers' ability to fully understand user behaviors and experiences. The Importance of Synthesis in Research: Steve emphasizes the often-overlooked distinction between analysis and synthesis in research. While analysis involves breaking down information, synthesis requires recombining that data into new insights and frameworks that can drive innovation. Steve provides tips on how researchers can improve their synthesis process by allowing time for deeper exploration and collaboration. Practical Advice for New Researchers: For those new to the field, Steve encourages embracing the growing community of UX researchers. He suggests seeking mentorship, engaging in networking, and experimenting with different ways of participating in the community, whether through writing, podcasts, or small peer groups. Looking Ahead: The Future of Research-Led Companies: Steve offers a thought-provoking idea about the possibility of research-led companies emerging in the future. He imagines a world where research isn’t just a service within organizations but a driving force behind product and service innovation. Episode Links: Steve Portigal’s Books: Interviewing Users and Doorbells, Danger, and Dead Batteries Dollars to Donuts Podcast Discount Code for Interviewing Users: Use "UNLOCKED" at checkout on Rosenfeld Media for 10% off Steve's Website LinkedIn
Full Episode
Welcome back to the Insights Unlocked podcast. In this episode, we're talking with UX research expert and author Steve Portigal about moving beyond analysis to synthesis, turning data into actionable insights that drive real change.
We'll explore Steve's tips for communicating findings that stick with stakeholders and dive into the impact of remote work and in-house teams on the future of UX research and customer experience. Enjoy the show.
Welcome to Insights Unlocked, an original podcast from User Testing, where we bring you candid conversations and stories with the thinkers, doers, and builders behind some of the most successful digital products and experiences in the world, from concept to execution.
Welcome to the Insights Unlocked podcast. I'm Nathan Isaacs, Senior Manager for Content Production at UserTesting. And joining us today as host is UserTesting's Leah Hogan, Principal for Experience Research Strategy. Welcome to the show, Leah. Thank you. Hi, everyone.
And our guest today is Steve Portigal. Steve is an experienced user researcher who helps companies harness the strategic power of insights. He's the author of two books, the classic Interviewing Users, How to Uncover Compelling Insights and Doorbells, Danger and Dead Batteries, User Research War Stories.
He's also the host of the Dollars to Donuts podcast, where he interviews people who lead user research in their organizations. Welcome to the show, Steve. Hi, everyone. Thank you so much for having me.
Great. I'm so thrilled to be getting a chance to have this conversation with you, Steve. And where I really wanted to start is just. Actually, because of where it is that you've been in the world of UX, user research, over the past more than 20 years, you've had, I think, a unique perspective on how the industry has changed, how the practice has changed from earlier on until now.
And now I think that that change has even accelerated, if possible. I'd love to hear your thoughts about what do you think the most significant changes have been and how those changes have really impacted how we understand users today and maybe how that might change.
Yeah, I can think of three that I'd want to mention today. You know, so when you kind of got at this, right, we were few in numbers when I started. And, you know, I was the field precedes me. So even fewer in the earliest days, kind of an obscure practice, fewer people. And now we are a much more established practice. community of practice, it's a field, it's a discipline that's larger in scope.
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