User Research Methods
User research methods are systematic approaches used to understand user behaviors, needs, motivations, and pain points through direct observation, interviews, surveys, and other techniques. They help inform product design, development, and strategy by providing evidence-based insights into how people interact with technology. Common methods include usability testing, interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies.
Developers should learn user research methods to build more user-centric products, reduce development waste by validating assumptions early, and improve collaboration with designers and product managers. For example, conducting usability testing during sprint cycles can identify interface issues before full implementation, while user interviews help prioritize features based on real needs rather than speculation.