3 Defining User Needs and Problems Free Online FlashCards

What is synthesis in user research?

Synthesis organizes and interprets research material to identify patterns that matter for design.

How does an observation differ from an interpretation?

An observation records what a person said or did; an interpretation explains what that evidence may mean.

How should related research observations be grouped?

Group observations by recurring behaviors, barriers, goals, or circumstances, then check the patterns against evidence.

What makes an interpretation an insight?

An insight is a concise interpretation that explains a meaningful pattern and can guide design decisions.

How should a research insight be checked and communicated?

Trace it to research evidence, note uncertainty or exceptions, and share it so the team can question or refine it.

What does a user need describe?

A user need states what a person must be able to accomplish and why it matters.

How should a user need be phrased?

Describe the outcome the user needs, not a proposed feature or channel.

Why is “I need a checklist” not a well-framed user need?

“I need a checklist” proposes a solution; “I need to know which documents to prepare” describes an outcome.

What is the purpose and common structure of a problem statement?

It focuses on a user and a meaningful challenge, commonly using: [User] needs a way to [need] because [insight].

What is a design opportunity?

A design opportunity reframes a problem to invite exploration; “How might we…?” is one useful format.

How should a “How might we…?” question be framed?

Keep it open enough for several approaches but bounded enough to stay connected to the research.

Why is a design framing considered provisional?

The framing is provisional: prototypes and further research may show that the need or problem should be revised.