Can I Have It in Blue? | E11
Unveiling the Power of User Research in Product Design (Part 3)
Episode Summary
In this episode of Can I Have It in Blue, Alvaro Bezerra, a product manager at Subvisual, and Maria Grilo, a product designer at Subvisual, explore the importance and challenges of conducting user research. They share their personal experiences and lessons learned from applying various research methodologies to real-world projects. Alvaro and Maria discuss how user research helps break assumptions, reduce bias, and create user-centric products. Maria shares her thoughts on the challenges of user testing, particularly avoiding bias and ensuring users feel comfortable, while Alvaro reflects on the importance of validating assumptions early to save time and resources. They dive into memorable examples, such as uncovering incorrect assumptions about product usage and dealing with biases in Web3 projects, where users often come with preconceived notions influenced by tokenomics. The episode also covers different research methods like generative interviews, surveys, and user testing, emphasizing the importance of tailoring research to specific contexts. Maria offers advice for designers nervous about conducting research, while Alvaro highlights the need for collaboration between product managers and designers to deliver user-focused solutions. Together, they stress the importance of preparation, adaptability, and continuous learning in user research. Whether you’re a designer, product manager, or just curious about user research, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical advice to help you build better products.
Episode Notes
In this episode of Can I Have It in Blue, Subvisual’s Alvaro Bezerra and Maria Grilo dive into the world of user research, sharing insights and lessons from their experiences. They discuss:
- The importance of user research: Breaking assumptions, reducing bias, and creating better products.
- Key research methods: Generative interviews, user testing, and surveys, along with the challenges of each.
- Real-world examples:
- Uncovering incorrect assumptions about user workflows.
- Dealing with biases in Web3 projects where tokenomics overshadow product needs.
- Tips and advice:
- For designers: Overcoming nerves and handling interviews confidently.
- For PMs: Collaborating with designers to prioritize user needs.
- Practical challenges: Selecting the right participants, avoiding bias in user testing, and adapting research methods to different contexts.
Alvaro and Maria also share personal anecdotes about research in Web3, the importance of tailoring interviews, and how even small adjustments can uncover valuable insights. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of preparation and continuous learning to refine research practices.
