Some principles which I follow while doing user-centered design:

  1. Involving users early in the product development process makes products intuitive and fosters loyalty. It is essential to zoom out and follow a constant process of hypothesis testing, MVP development, review, and refinement. Preparation of research requires a clear goal and involvement of the research team.
  2.  Utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as focus groups, feedback forms, automated surveys, and metrics dashboards. A/B testing enables data-driven decisions by testing specific changes. Usability testing should be scenario-based, with users sitting in front, encouraging them to think aloud.
  3.  Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding user perspectives. Tailor questions based on whether they are asked individually or in a group. Be attentive, consider gender dynamics, and prompt users to share their thoughts and expectations. Observing users and thinking aloud during the observation process yield valuable insights.
  4.  Avoid using “how did you” and replace it with “how would you like to” for a user-centered approach. Debriefing is a vital part of the research process. By incorporating these user testing skills, you can build a strong foundation for user-centric product development and improve the overall user experience.