In this course, we'll be diving deep into the skillset of user research. The course will consist of two, multi-phase research projects. Research takes time. Students will plan, conduct, analyze, and present user-centered research.

Watch it / Discussions (20%)

All video content will be followed by students answering discussion prompts in the related MIRO board.

Projects (55%)

Each competency will have a related design challenge where students will apply principles from the assigned chapters and resources. Projects may include multiple steps of the design process, critiques, iterations, and final process presentations. Projects will be turned into your own Named Folder in our class Google Drive.

Retrospectives (25%)

After each project, students will complete a personal retrospective. They will answer the questions provided in their personal retrospective document.

Textbook

• Just Enough Research, 2nd Edition, by Erika Hall

• ISBN:   9781937557881

Online Resources

• All online resources will be shared via Blackboard

• (not required but available to you as a design student at ACC for $10/semester) An account with Adobe Creative Cloud. You can begin your account ID process here.
   

Tools

• MIRO app will be used (info in Blackboard orientation)

• Sketchbook (any kind will do, I recommend a “dot grid” sketchbook though!)

• A computer with a camera and microphone

An advanced course in user-centered design with a focus on Design Research. Students will learn the application of research methods within an Agile design and development environment.

Competency 1

Discussion 1: Intro to UX Research and Methodologies

Project #1 - Bias Research

Discussion 2: Biases in Research

Competency 2

Discussion 3: Rewrite interview questions

Project #2 - Design and Conduct User Interview 

Retro #1 - First user interview

Discussion 4: Group Retro on Interviews

Project #3 - Generative Research Project

Discussion 5: Write interview script + Plan Interview

Competency 3

Retro #2 - First explanatory interview reflection

Discussion 6: Coding + Analysis

Discussion 7: Insights + Mindsets

Retro #3 - Finding Insights

Competency 4

Discussion 8: Presenting 

Retro #4 - Presenting research insights and recommendations

Competency 5

Project #4 - Usability test type research

Discussion 9: Group retro on first usability test

Discussion 10: Analyzing evaluative data

Project #5 - Evaluative Research project

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course: 

1. Surveyed the various types of user research to inform digital product and service design

2. Analyzed potential for bias in design of research plan and analysis of research data

3. Practiced a process for designing, conducting, and identifying outcomes of a design research project

4. Practiced research presentation skills such as displaying data, prioritizing findings, and tying outcomes to design recommendations.

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the program:

• Produce prototypes for software applications using industry standard methods, tools, and techniques.

• Apply a user centered design process in the creation of software applications.

• Design and develop responsive layouts for multi-device, and multi-channel applications.

• Demonstrate proficiency in team collaboration.

• Develop proficiency in the presentation, design, and delivery of a UX portfolio to demonstrate professionalism.

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce [on the job]:

Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS): In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace. The following is a list of SCAN competencies identified in this course. For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html