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Kentaro Toyama
Designing effective interactive systems requires understanding the needs and capabilities of the people who will be using them. In this UX course we will focus on how to interact with users (or potential users) to understand what they need, what they currently do, what they love and hate, and examine human capabilities and behavior as they relate to UX design.
Learners will be introduced to numerous techniques to gather data from and about users.
This course is part of the User Experience (UX) Research and Design specialization offered on Coursera.
What you'll learn:
Read more
Designing effective interactive systems requires understanding the needs and capabilities of the people who will be using them. In this UX course we will focus on how to interact with users (or potential users) to understand what they need, what they currently do, what they love and hate, and examine human capabilities and behavior as they relate to UX design.
Learners will be introduced to numerous techniques to gather data from and about users.
This course is part of the User Experience (UX) Research and Design specialization offered on Coursera.
What you'll learn:
Read more
Designing effective interactive systems requires understanding the needs and capabilities of the people who will be using them. In this UX course we will focus on how to interact with users (or potential users) to understand what they need, what they currently do, what they love and hate, and examine human capabilities and behavior as they relate to UX design.
Learners will be introduced to numerous techniques to gather data from and about users.
This course is part of the User Experience (UX) Research and Design specialization offered on Coursera.
What you'll learn:
Find out what user needs assessments are, what qualitative research is, and how the two are related.
Learn an end-to-end methodology for qualitative research that is suited for understanding user needs. The methodology
includes knowledge of semi-structured interviews, in-situ observation, and affinity walls.
Be exposed to good practices for conducting semi-structured interviews, in-situ observation, and affinity walls.
Gain some experience with semi-structured interviews, in-situ observations, and affinity walls.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/3hs2gb/understanding
What's inside
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Introduction and Qualitative Research Overview
Lesson 2: Interview Protocols
Lesson 3: Interviews, Observation, and Data Extraction
Read more
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Introduction and Qualitative Research Overview
Lesson 2: Interview Protocols
Lesson 3: Interviews, Observation, and Data Extraction
Read more
Lesson 4: Affinity Walls and Analysis
Lesson 5: Conclusion
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers user needs assessment, qualitative research, and their interrelation
Provides a complete methodology for understanding user needs through qualitative research
Exposes learners to best practices in conducting qualitative research
Offers hands-on experience in applying research methods such as semi-structured interviews and affinity walls
Taught by Kentaro Toyama, an expert in user experience research and design
Save this course
Save Understanding User Needs to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Understanding user interviews
According to students, this course is highly recommended for learning how to conduct user interviews and understand user needs. Learners say the course is well-structured, provides engaging lectures, and includes hands-on assignments that are practical and informative. Many students remark that the instructor is excellent, passionate, and communicates ideas clearly. Graduates find the course valuable and state that the skills they gained can be applied to multiple fields.
Professor Toyama is knowledgeable
"Prof Kentaro is a very good lecturer and explains concepts in a way that it sticks."
"I really enjoyed this class and felt it was a great start to learning how to conduct user research. The professor, Kentaro Toyama, is also a fantastic teacher even with teaching via recorded video."
"The teacher is great."
Coursework is practical and hands-on
"The hands on practical assignment are a must do it really helps in deeper understanding."
"I honed my interviewing and observation skills through this course and its assignments. I highly recommend it."
"The structure of the course was really good. The hands-on activity at every stage let us understand the ideas provided during the course."
Graduates highly recommend this course
"I absolutely recommend this course. Brilliant professor and excellent exercises, the right mixture between theory and practice!"
"It's a great course, I was able to learn a lot at each stage."
"This course has really exceeded my expectations, each of the exercises that are raised lead you to a complete understanding of the strategies to follow to understand the needs of the user."
The course may be too basic for some learners
"A very basic light touch course, it outlines the key principles for understanding user needs but not in a way that would be useful in the real world."
"This is a really bad course. As a graduate psychology student who's already have some knowledge in UX research, I don't think you can establish rapport through his approach of interviewing."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Understanding User Needs with these
activities:
Review Introduction to Qualitative Research
Show steps
Refreshing your knowledge of qualitative research will provide a solid foundation for understanding UX research techniques.
Browse courses on
Qualitative Research
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes or textbooks on the principles of qualitative research.
-
Explore online resources and articles to gain insights into different qualitative research methods.
-
Consider taking a refresher course or workshop to strengthen your understanding.
Gather and Organize UX Research Tools and Resources
Show steps
Having a curated collection of UX research tools and resources at your disposal can streamline your research process.
Browse courses on
User Research
Show steps
-
Research and identify various UX research tools, such as survey platforms, prototyping software, and data analysis tools.
-
Explore online repositories and forums to discover recommended resources and best practices.
-
Organize the tools and resources into a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or online database.
Participate in Peer Study Group
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions can enhance understanding, promote critical thinking, and foster collaboration.
Show steps
-
Form a study group with peers.
-
Establish regular meeting times and a schedule for discussing course topics.
-
Take turns presenting concepts, leading discussions, and sharing insights.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Compilation of Course Materials
Show steps
Organizing and reviewing materials can help reinforce memories and improve comprehension.
Browse courses on
UX Design
Show steps
-
Gather notes, assignments, and resources from all lessons.
-
Review and condense materials, identifying key concepts.
-
Organize materials into a cohesive format, such as a document or folder.
Design a UX Research Plan
Show steps
Creating a UX research plan will solidify your understanding of the research process and its application in real-world scenarios.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific research question or problem that you aim to address.
-
Select appropriate user research methods based on the research question and target audience.
-
Develop a detailed plan outlining the research objectives, methodology, data collection, and analysis strategy.
Explore Additional Tutorials on UX Research
Show steps
Seeking out supplemental tutorials can provide a deeper understanding of the methodologies and techniques used in UX research.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms or resources that offer UX research tutorials.
-
Select tutorials that cover specific topics or skills related to the course.
-
Dedicate time to following the tutorials, taking notes, and practicing the techniques.
Develop a UX Research Case Study
Show steps
Creating a UX research case study will allow you to apply your knowledge and showcase your skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
User Research
Show steps
-
Select a real-world UX research project that you have conducted or observed.
-
Document the research process, including the research question, methods used, findings, and recommendations.
-
Present the case study in a clear and concise format, highlighting the key insights and outcomes.
Attend a UX Research Workshop
Show steps
Attending workshops can provide hands-on experience, exposure to industry experts, and networking opportunities.
Browse courses on
UX Design
Show steps
-
Research and identify UX research workshops in your area or online.
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
-
Attend the workshop, actively participate, and engage with instructors and attendees.
Review Introduction to Qualitative Research
Show steps
Refreshing your knowledge of qualitative research will provide a solid foundation for understanding UX research techniques.
Browse courses on
Qualitative Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes or textbooks on the principles of qualitative research.
- Explore online resources and articles to gain insights into different qualitative research methods.
- Consider taking a refresher course or workshop to strengthen your understanding.
Gather and Organize UX Research Tools and Resources
Show steps
Having a curated collection of UX research tools and resources at your disposal can streamline your research process.
Browse courses on
User Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify various UX research tools, such as survey platforms, prototyping software, and data analysis tools.
- Explore online repositories and forums to discover recommended resources and best practices.
- Organize the tools and resources into a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or online database.
Participate in Peer Study Group
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions can enhance understanding, promote critical thinking, and foster collaboration.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with peers.
- Establish regular meeting times and a schedule for discussing course topics.
- Take turns presenting concepts, leading discussions, and sharing insights.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Compilation of Course Materials
Show steps
Organizing and reviewing materials can help reinforce memories and improve comprehension.
Browse courses on
UX Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather notes, assignments, and resources from all lessons.
- Review and condense materials, identifying key concepts.
- Organize materials into a cohesive format, such as a document or folder.
Design a UX Research Plan
Show steps
Creating a UX research plan will solidify your understanding of the research process and its application in real-world scenarios.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific research question or problem that you aim to address.
- Select appropriate user research methods based on the research question and target audience.
- Develop a detailed plan outlining the research objectives, methodology, data collection, and analysis strategy.
Explore Additional Tutorials on UX Research
Show steps
Seeking out supplemental tutorials can provide a deeper understanding of the methodologies and techniques used in UX research.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms or resources that offer UX research tutorials.
- Select tutorials that cover specific topics or skills related to the course.
- Dedicate time to following the tutorials, taking notes, and practicing the techniques.
Develop a UX Research Case Study
Show steps
Creating a UX research case study will allow you to apply your knowledge and showcase your skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
User Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a real-world UX research project that you have conducted or observed.
- Document the research process, including the research question, methods used, findings, and recommendations.
- Present the case study in a clear and concise format, highlighting the key insights and outcomes.
Attend a UX Research Workshop
Show steps
Attending workshops can provide hands-on experience, exposure to industry experts, and networking opportunities.
Browse courses on
UX Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify UX research workshops in your area or online.
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
- Attend the workshop, actively participate, and engage with instructors and attendees.
Career center
Learners who complete Understanding User Needs will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Analista de negocios
Analista de negocios
Los analistas de negocios ayudan a las organizaciones a identificar y comprender sus necesidades comerciales. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a tomar mejores decisiones comerciales. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los analistas de negocios, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Consultor de gestión
Consultor de gestión
Los consultores de gestión ayudan a las organizaciones a mejorar su rendimiento. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a identificar áreas de mejora. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los consultores de gestión, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Investigador de mercado
Investigador de mercado
Los investigadores de mercado ayudan a las empresas a comprender las necesidades y el comportamiento de sus clientes. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las empresas a desarrollar nuevos productos y servicios, mejorar sus estrategias de marketing y tomar mejores decisiones comerciales. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los investigadores de mercado, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para comprender las necesidades de los usuarios.
Emprendedor
Emprendedor
Los empresarios son personas que inician sus propios negocios. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudarlos a desarrollar nuevas ideas de negocios. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los empresarios, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Gerente de Proyecto
Gerente de Proyecto
Los gerentes de proyecto son responsables de planificar, organizar y controlar proyectos. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a gestionar proyectos de manera más eficaz. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los gerentes de proyecto, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Gerente de Producto
Gerente de Producto
Los gerentes de producto son responsables de definir la visión y la estrategia para los productos y servicios. Trabajan con diseñadores, ingenieros y otras partes interesadas para garantizar que los productos y servicios cumplan con las necesidades de los usuarios. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los gerentes de producto, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Gerente de Operaciones
Gerente de Operaciones
Los gerentes de operaciones son responsables de planificar, organizar y controlar las operaciones diarias de una organización. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a mejorar sus operaciones. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los gerentes de operaciones, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Diseñador de Interacción
Diseñador de Interacción
Los diseñadores de interacción se centran en diseñar la forma en que los usuarios interactúan con los productos y servicios. Se basan en la investigación de usuarios para comprender cómo los usuarios interactúan con los productos existentes y luego utilizan esta información para diseñar nuevas interacciones que sean más fáciles de usar, agradables y eficientes. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los diseñadores de interacción, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Gerente de Innovación
Gerente de Innovación
Los gerentes de innovación son responsables de identificar, desarrollar e implementar nuevas ideas. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a desarrollar nuevos productos y servicios. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los gerentes de innovación, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Diseñador de Experiencia de Usuario (UX)
Diseñador de Experiencia de Usuario (UX)
Los diseñadores de UX se centran en crear productos y servicios que sean fáciles de usar, agradables y eficientes. Se basan en la investigación de usuarios para comprender las necesidades y preferencias de los usuarios, y luego utilizan esta información para diseñar interfaces y experiencias que satisfagan esas necesidades. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los diseñadores de UX, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Investigador de experiencia del usuario (UX)
Investigador de experiencia del usuario (UX)
Los investigadores de UX se centran en comprender la experiencia de los usuarios con los productos y servicios. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a mejorar la experiencia del usuario. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los investigadores de UX, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Sociólogo
Sociólogo
Los sociólogos estudian la sociedad y el comportamiento social. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudarlos a comprender cómo funciona la sociedad. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los sociólogos, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Psicólogo
Psicólogo
Los psicólogos estudian el comportamiento humano y los procesos mentales. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudarlos a comprender por qué las personas hacen lo que hacen. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los psicólogos, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Etnógrafo
Etnógrafo
Los etnógrafos estudian la cultura y el comportamiento humanos a través de la observación y la participación. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudarlos a comprender cómo las personas viven y trabajan en diferentes culturas. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los etnógrafos, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
Antropólogo
Antropólogo
Los antropólogos estudian las culturas humanas. Utilizan una variedad de técnicas de investigación, incluidas entrevistas, encuestas y grupos focales, para recopilar datos que pueden ayudarlos a comprender cómo funcionan las diferentes culturas. Este curso puede ser muy útil para los antropólogos, ya que les proporcionará una comprensión profunda de los métodos de investigación cualitativa y cómo utilizarlos para recopilar datos sobre las necesidades de los usuarios.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3hs2gb/understanding
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Understanding User Needs.
Save
Is an excellent introduction to the principles of good user research, with an emphasis on understanding users' needs. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it is packed with practical advice.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to conducting user interviews, from planning and preparation to analysis and reporting. It is full of practical tips and advice, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to learn how to conduct effective user research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of user observation, including how to plan and conduct observation studies, how to analyze data, and how to use observations to improve the user experience.
Provides a comprehensive overview of user experience management, including how to define and measure user needs, how to design and build user-centered products, and how to evaluate the user experience.
Classic in the field of web usability. It provides practical advice on how to make websites that are easy to use and understand.
Classic in the field of design. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of good design, with a focus on how to design products that are easy to use and understand.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information architecture, the art and science of organizing and structuring information. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to design websites and other information systems that are easy to use and understand.
Save
Classic in the field of usability engineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of good usability, with a focus on how to design and evaluate user interfaces.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the elements of user experience, including strategy, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to design user-centered products.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of interaction design, with a focus on how to design interactive systems that are both usable and enjoyable.
Save
Provides a framework for understanding how to design products that are habit-forming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create products that people will love and use on a regular basis.
Provides a framework for building successful startups by using the principles of lean manufacturing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create and validate new products and services.
Provides a unique perspective on how to build successful startups. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the process of innovation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3hs2gb/understanding
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Effort
5 weeks, 4-8 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Kentaro Toyama
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
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қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
User Experience Research and Design. It's comprised of six courses:
Good to know
Covers user needs assessment, qualitative research, and their interrelation
Provides a complete methodology for understanding user needs through qualitative research
Exposes learners to best practices in conducting qualitative research
Offers hands-on experience in applying research methods such as semi-structured interviews and affinity walls
Taught by Kentaro Toyama, an expert in user experience research and design
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