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Welcome to "Service Design - Complete User Research Guide & Techniques"

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Welcome to "Service Design - Complete User Research Guide & Techniques"

Unlock the secrets of user research and master the techniques needed to conduct comprehensive and insightful research with our comprehensive course. Whether you're an aspiring user researcher, a product manager, or a business professional looking to enhance your skills, our course is designed to equip you with the expertise needed to conduct sound user research undertakings.

Why User Research Matters

User research is the cornerstone of successful service design. By understanding your users' needs, preferences, and behaviors, you can create products and services that truly resonate with your target audience. Whether you're designing a website, an app, or a physical product, user research ensures that your solutions meet real-world demands, leading to increased user satisfaction and business success.

What Will You Learn

In our comprehensive course, you'll delve into the intricacies of user research and gain practical skills that you can apply immediately. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

  • Chapter 1 – Understanding Service Design: Learn why Service Design is crucial for businesses to not only survive but thrive in today's competitive landscape.

  • Chapter 2 – User Research Scope & Questions: Define the scope of your research and craft precise research questions to guide your investigation.

  • Chapter 3 – Research Planning: Plan and structure your research effectively, aligning it with your defined scope and objectives.

  • Chapter 4 – Data Collection Methods: Explore various data collection methodologies including desk research, self-ethnographic research, participant approaches, and more.

  • Chapter 5 – User Research Deliverables: Transform raw data into actionable insights using a variety of deliverables such as user journeys, reports, and more.

  • Chapter 6 – Leveraging Deliverables: Discover how user research deliverables can be utilized to enhance the service design process and drive meaningful improvements.

  • Chapter 7 – Real-Life Case Studies: Gain practical insights through real-life user research cases, understanding their challenges and solutions.

  • Chapter 8 – Project Time: Apply your newfound knowledge through a hands-on project, reinforcing your understanding of user research techniques.

  • Chapter 9 – Stakeholder management (extra lecture): Learn essential stakeholder management strategies to avoid common project failures, including tools like RACI, Power-interest matrix, and governance plans.

Why Choose This Course?

· Expert Instructor: due to my role as a consultant in one of the largest consulting firms I had the pleasure to conduct many user research engagements together with product managers, service designers and product owners.

· Practical Approach: theory is important but practice makes perfect. We always try to accompany theory with practical examples drawn from our own experience. This is why the course has a chapter fully dedicated to real-life cases and a project to further cement your knowledge.

· Handouts: Gain access to valuable resources and tools to support your learning journey and apply in your professional projects.

· Available Support: Receive personalized assistance whenever you have questions or need guidance throughout the course.

Convinced? Enroll today.

Enroll today and embark on a journey to become a proficient user researcher, equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive impactful service design solutions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in the world of design and innovation.

Enroll now

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suited for aspiring user researchers looking to build expertise needed for sound user research undertakings
Designed for product managers looking to enhance their skills and gain insights for effective product development
Benefits business professionals seeking knowledge and expertise in enhancing service design practices
Leverages data collection methodologies, including desk research and participant approaches, for a comprehensive understanding of user needs
Emphasizes the transformation of raw data into actionable insights through user journey mapping and other deliverables
Offers hands-on project experience to reinforce understanding and provide practical application of user research techniques

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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 Service Design Masterclass - Complete User Research Guide with these activities:
Attend a UX Meetup
Network with professionals in the field, gaining insights into industry trends, best practices, and potential job opportunities.
Browse courses on User Research
Show steps
  • Find a UX Meetup in your area.
  • Attend the Meetup and introduce yourself to other attendees.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Complete the 'UX Research Crash Course' on Coursera
Supplement the course material with an online tutorial, reinforcing key concepts and providing additional practical guidance.
Browse courses on User Research
Show steps
  • Enroll in the Coursera course.
  • Complete the video lectures and quizzes.
Compile a Toolkit of User Research Methods
Organize a repository of research methods, tools, and templates, ensuring easy access to valuable resources for future projects.
Browse courses on User Research
Show steps
  • Identify and gather relevant user research methods.
  • Create a central repository for the methods.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Read 'Universal Methods of Design' by Bella Martin and Bruce Hanington
Supplement the course material with a classic text on user research methods, providing a comprehensive foundation for successful service design.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Complete the exercises and activities at the end of each chapter.
Conduct a User Research Interview
Practice conducting user research interviews firsthand, providing hands-on experience in gathering qualitative data.
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Show steps
  • Identify a research question and target audience.
  • Create a semi-structured interview guide.
  • Recruit and schedule participants.
  • Conduct the interviews, taking detailed notes.
  • Analyze the data and identify key insights.
Participate in a 'Design Thinking for Service Innovation' Workshop
Apply design thinking principles to a real-world service design challenge, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration.
Browse courses on Service Design
Show steps
  • Identify a specific service design problem to focus on.
  • Use design thinking tools and methods to generate and evaluate ideas.
  • Develop a prototype and test it with users.
Write a User Research Report
Develop written communication skills by crafting a comprehensive report of user research findings, ensuring effective dissemination of insights.
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Show steps
  • Organize the research findings into a logical structure.
  • Write clear and concise summaries of key insights.
  • Include supporting evidence from the research data.
  • Proofread and edit the report for clarity and accuracy.
Design a Service Blueprint
Apply course concepts to create a visual representation of a service, fostering a deeper understanding of its touchpoints and interactions.
Browse courses on Service Design
Show steps
  • Identify the key elements of the service.
  • Map out the customer journey.
  • Describe the frontstage and backstage processes.
  • Identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Service Design Masterclass - Complete User Research Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
User Researcher
User Researchers are responsible for understanding the needs of users and collecting data about their behavior. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct user research, analyze data, and present your findings. The course also covers the ethical implications of user research, which is an important consideration for anyone working in this field.
Service Designer
Service Designers are responsible for designing and improving services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct user research, understand the service ecosystem, and develop service blueprints. The course also covers the importance of co-creation, which is a key principle of service design.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct user research, understand the target market, and develop a product roadmap. The course also covers the importance of user feedback, which is essential for creating successful products.
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of products and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct user research, understand the principles of UX design, and create user interfaces. The course also covers the importance of user testing, which is essential for creating effective UX designs.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers are responsible for collecting and analyzing data about markets and consumers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct market research, analyze data, and present your findings. The course also covers the ethical implications of market research, which is an important consideration for anyone working in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use data analysis tools and techniques. The course also covers the importance of data visualization, which is essential for communicating insights effectively.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and recommending improvements. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct business analysis, understand business requirements, and develop solutions. The course also covers the importance of stakeholder management, which is essential for successful business analysis projects.
Consultant
Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct research, analyze data, and develop recommendations. The course also covers the importance of communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for successful consulting engagements.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to manage projects, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders. The course also covers the importance of risk management, which is essential for successful project outcomes.
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for educating students. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to create lesson plans, engage students, and assess learning. The course also covers the importance of classroom management, which is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment.
Writer
Writers are responsible for creating content. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to write effectively, research topics, and edit your work. The course also covers the importance of grammar and style, which are essential for creating clear and concise writing.
Librarian
Librarians are responsible for managing libraries and providing access to information. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to catalog books, provide reference services, and manage library resources. The course also covers the importance of information literacy, which is essential for helping patrons find the information they need.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical records. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to appraise records, catalog collections, and provide access to historical materials. The course also covers the importance of archival ethics, which are essential for protecting the integrity of historical records.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for managing museum collections and exhibitions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to acquire artifacts, design exhibitions, and educate the public. The course also covers the importance of museum ethics, which are essential for protecting the integrity of museum collections.
Historian
Historians are responsible for studying and writing about the past. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct historical research, analyze historical sources, and write historical narratives. The course also covers the importance of historical ethics, which are essential for ensuring the accuracy and objectivity of historical research.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Service Design Masterclass - Complete User Research Guide.
This book's focus on research tactics and strategy for smaller teams will be generally useful for user researchers of all stripes.
This book's emphasis on observational research methods will supplement the course's focus on interview techniques.
Covers service design from a more holistic perspective and could be of use to those seeking more context for the course's user research focus.
Though not specifically about user research, this book's status as a classic in the field of design will provide useful background knowledge for students of user research and service design.

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