Overview
The industry standard course in UX research
Master the research skills that make UX professionals so valuable. Become a confident, credible and effective user researcher with a globally recognised qualification.
How will this course be delivered?
Course learning format: this is an E-learning course that is self-paced
Estimated learning time required for the course: the estimated learning time for this course is 3 months.
Prerequisites
Who is this course for?
This course is for anybody looking to build their skills and advance their career with UX research.
Objectives
- UX designers seeking to enhance their user research skills
- UX researchers looking for a formal qualification that validates their expertise
- Researchers or social scientists considering a career in UX
- Product managers/owners who need research skills to succeed in their roles
- Anyone who enjoys interacting with users, seeking a meaningful UX research career
Outline
Module 1
Introduction to user research
This module provides an overview of user research and explains why it’s fundamental to UX design. You’ll explore the role of the researcher, and get introduced to the research methods covered in the course. You’ll also learn about the ethics of conducting research with people.
• What is user research?
• The three phases of research
• The role of the researcher
• Challenges in user research
• Types of research
• Quantitative vs. qualitative research
• Overview of research methods
• Researching ethically
Module 2
Planning the research
In this module, you’ll learn how to plan a research project. This covers formulating research questions, choosing research methods and recruiting participants. You’ll also learn about participant rights and how to manage data efficiently and ethically.
• The research plan
• Defining research questions
• Running a stakeholder kick-off meeting
• Choosing research methods
• Recruiting participants
• The rights of participants
• Developing the research plan
• Data management best practices
Module 3
Fundamental user research skills
This module dives deep into two core qualitative research techniques: interviewing and usability testing. You’ll learn how to use them effectively, including asking the right questions to get real, honest answers. Plus, you’ll develop the art of taking productive notes, a crucial skill for any researcher.
• Interviewing skills
• Remote interviewing
• An introduction to RITE
• Moderated versus unmoderated usability testing
• Setting up usability tests
• Moderating skills
• Collecting qualitative data
• How to take good notes
Module 4
Expanding your toolkit
You’ll explore more qualitative methods including ethnographic techniques, participatory design, service safaris and diary studies. The module also looks at stimuli and other interview enhancements. You’ll get practical advice on how to implement each of these methods in the field.
• Ethnography
• Contextual inquiries
• Service safaris
• Interview enhancements
• Participatory design
• Diary studies
• Card sorting
Module 5
Analysing qualitative research
In this module, you’ll discover methods to analyse and interpret qualitative data. You’ll explore how to use affinity diagrams and learn sensemaking techniques like personas and journey maps.
• Thematic analysis
• Collaborative analysis
• Affinity diagramming
• Personas
• Customer journey mapping
• Beyond journeys: stakeholder and system maps
Module 6
Quantitative research
This module covers the quantitative research methods most commonly used within UX research. You’ll learn how and when to use online surveys, A/B testing, and analytics. You’ll also learn about conducting mixed-methods research.
• Principles and terminology
• Online surveys: design & analysis
• A/B testing
• Analytics for UX researchers
• Integrating quantitative and qualitative research
Module 7
Communicating the research
In this module, you’ll master skills for communicating research findings. You’ll learn how to share findings through reports, presentations, and workshops. Finally, you’ll get tips on how to showcase your work in a professional portfolio: essential for those pursuing a UX research role.
• The importance of communication
• Thinking of your audience
• Golden rules for key findings
• Explaining the ‘so what’
• What goes into a good report
• Bringing research reports to life
• Effective presentations
• Effective workshops
• Showcasing research in your portfolio
Module 8
AI for user research
The final module contains a collection of resources that explore the potential of using AI in your UX research workflow. These lessons cut through the hype so that you can focus on the AI tools and techniques that are genuinely useful when conducting user research.
• Leveraging AI for user research
• The AI tools landscape
• ChatGPT for user research
• AI and ethics
What's included
- Exam included
- Dedicated tutor support via email during your course from expert instructors
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.