Direct Coding
Direct Coding is a qualitative data analysis methodology used in research to systematically analyze textual or visual data by directly applying codes to segments of the data without pre-defined categories. It involves an iterative process of reading, coding, and refining themes to derive insights from raw data such as interview transcripts, documents, or observations. This approach is often used in grounded theory and other inductive research designs to build theories from the ground up.
Developers should learn Direct Coding when conducting user research, analyzing feedback, or working in human-computer interaction (HCI) to understand user needs and behaviors from qualitative data. It is particularly useful in agile and user-centered design contexts where insights from interviews or usability tests inform product development. By applying this methodology, developers can ensure their coding and design decisions are data-driven and aligned with real-world user experiences.