On this pageAt GitLab, we practice both Problem Validation research and Solution Validation research, depending on the questions we need answers to and where we are in the design process. The end result of these methods is a high degree of confidence which results in a better overall user experience. Generating solutions, developing the product experience, and launching to the market is much more effective when we start with a deep understanding of our customer problems. We leverage Opportunity Canvases to track quick iterations on levels of confidence, hypotheses, and lessons learned as our learning about the problem evolves. Show
What is problem validation?Problem validation research seeks to provide decision makers with a well understood and clearly articulated customer problem. At GitLab, problem validation encompasses foundational research as well as descriptive and informative research.
When to use problem validation?Foundational research is done when we don’t have a good understanding of what the problem is we need to solve. Often this occurs at the very beginning of the product design process. The purpose is to formulate a problem to solve and have a decent level of confidence that the problem is a relevant one. Descriptive and informative research starts with a problem statement, which provides us a concrete problem to solve. This research is used to gain a better understanding of the context we are trying to solve for through our design and is imperative to fill the knowledge gaps of the solution environment by what our participants know. When you are conducting a problem validation research effort, make sure to apply the What questions can problem validation answer?Foundational research provides answers to these questions:
Descriptive and informative research provides answers to these questions:
Problem validation methods & when to use themWhen choosing the right method for problem validation research, first ask yourself if you need foundational or informative research.
Problem validation research is not only conducted with end users. Often, sales, support, and TAMs (technical account managers) can offer valuable insights into customer behavior. They typically interact with a large number of customers and have a well developed understanding of what needs customers have and what issues they have faced. Foundational research methodsTo choose the right foundational research method, you need to identify the purpose for your research. Ask yourself “Why am I doing this research?” Your answer will help you choose which method to use. You should also ask yourself how much detail you need, what kind of participants you need, and the fidelity of insight you require. If you are still unsure, please reach out to your UX Researcher.
Descriptive and informative research methodsTo choose the right descriptive and informative research method, ask yourself, “What do I need to understand better?” Your answer will help you choose which method to use. If you are still unsure, please reach out to your UX Researcher.
Check out our guidance for writing your discussion guide and facilitating user sessions for In-depth interviews. You can also frame questions using the Taxonomy of Cognitive Domain, which explains how certain verbs target particular thought processes. This is a great way to expand your questioning in order to help trigger specific responses from participants.
Which characteristic of research states that a research starts with a problem and ends with a problem?Cyclical – research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
What is starts with a problem and ends with a problem?Research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
What are the characteristics of research process?Characteristics of research. Empirical - based on observations and experimentation.. Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.. Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept constant.. Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process.. What is the characteristic of research where research can be repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results?Replicability – research design and procedures are repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
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