Speed Dating Reflection

My research method is Competitive Testing, which requires comparing my own product with the competitor companies’ end products and recognize the similarities and differences in terms of usability and learnability.

Focus Groups - Holly

A focus group is a research method in which a group of people are asked about their opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards products or services that are being tested. Normally, the group of people are in a specific demographic or have similar interests.

I believe that these two methods can be combined to allow people to discuss the end products in an effective way. However, in order to get an honest feedback, I think it’s important to make sure that no one in the group was previously exposed to the test or is aware any company that is going to be a part of the test.

Co-creating Journey Maps - Teresa

Co-creating journey maps invites participants who have an extensive knowledge of experience that is being tested and guide them to create journey maps or service blueprints. The participants should not just have an abstract knowledge since that may cause the results to be biased.

I think this method and competitive testing could work together when comparing the experience through the workshops, which can lead to better understanding of the products. However, when combining, the participants should be familiar with what they’re going to experience but should not know who’s products that they are experiencing.

Cognitive Walkthrough — Iris

Cognitive walkthrough tests the usability of the products by seeing whether or not users can use the products without any help or guidance. This ensures that their products are still usable even without reading instructions, since most prefer testing the products out before reading about it. In order to reduce potential biases, no coaching should be given to the participants. Competitive testing and cognitive walkthrough are both useful methods when it comes to testing usability, so combining these methods could provide honest feedback.