From the course: UX Design for Developers

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How to observe users in the wild

How to observe users in the wild

From the course: UX Design for Developers

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How to observe users in the wild

- [Instructor] I've been observing users a long, long time. Here are some of the tips I've learned to do it effectively. I already touched on one, try to see actual work. Often, someone will try to force off a meeting with users instead. Or worse, give you a binder of requirements that's supposed to replace user observation. Requirements are fine and you should read them, but they are no substitute for observing real users. Push back on anyone who doesn't want you to observe users, their motives are sometimes self-interested. Occasionally, for logistical or security reasons, you can't observe directly. Next best is some sort of remote viewing of their desktop along with an audio link. Don't forget to capture things about the environment in which the user works. I have some examples of that coming up. Don't make user observation into a circus. Two observers works fine, perhaps three in some environments, but I've never used more than three in a typical corporate work environment. I…

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