What is guerrilla research? - Sketch Tutorial

(bright guitar music) - Most of us have gotten to the point where we know UX is important and that research is an integral part of that but it can still be hard for teams to figure out how to fit in research. One common solution is the idea of guerilla research. (mimics guerilla grunting) Wait what? No, not guerilla's. Although working on a software team can sure feel like a zoo. (animals cackling and screeching) We're talking guerrilla with a U and an E, I think an E, however you spell it. The dictionary.com definition of guerilla is one, a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger, regular forces or two, referring to actions or activities performed in an impromptu way often without authorization. (sighs) While getting research buy-in can certainly feel like a fight let's hope the only battles you're fighting are Nerf wars. (electronic music) (zapping) With guerrilla research, we're talking about that second definition where you find a way to make research happen even if you don't have dedicated time or resources. The core methods are the same but you find ways to make things cheaper and faster. There are lots of ways to reduce scope. You can do things like test paper prototypes, do fewer sessions or avoid formal recruiting and screening practices. Going out into the wild to recruit participants is the one we usually think of. Changing research means that you have to be a little less academic and make some trade offs about the rigor of your research. As they say, there's truly no free lunch. (guerilla grunting) Hey! But, guerrilla research is a great way to answer questions on a limited budget or timeframe. It's like free dessert. (ping) (bright guitar music)