Embark on a transformative journey into the world of user research with Impact by Nikki Anderson. In the realm of product creation, understanding your users is the cornerstone of building life-changing products. This comprehensive guide is your key to establishing a robust user research practice within your organization, ensuring that decisions are rooted in empathy, understanding, and a deep connection with your audience.Impact goes beyond the surface of having a great idea; it delves into the intricacies of creating competent, passionate, and skillful teams. Nikki Anderson, drawing from her wealth of experience, provides invaluable insights into setting up a research practice that becomes an indispensable resource for your colleagues. This book is not just a guide; it’s a thought partner, offering a step-by-step approach to navigate the complexities of establishing a research practice, making it accessible even for those new to the field.
Nikki Anderson, founder of User Research Strategist, helps user researchers become strategic decision-makers through her Substack, podcast, and speaking engagements. Known for transparency and actionable insights, she’s shaping the future of research while chasing waves and geeking out over Pokémon.
PART ONE What Is a Research Practice? 1 What Is a Research Practice? 2 Why Is a Research Practice Important? 3 Connecting Research to BusinessPART TWO Reflect on the Current State 4 Viewing Stakeholders as Users 5 Assess the Current User Research Maturity PART THREE Set Up Operations and a Framework 6 Set Up Core Research Operations7 Create a Research Framework PART FOUR Define Your Playbook8 Introduction to the Five Phases 9 Phase One: Problem Discovery 10 Phase Two: Problem Definition 11 Phase Three: Solution Design and Refinement 12 Phase Four: Testing and Execution13 Phase Five: Maintain and Iterate PART FIVE Methodology Breakdown 14 Problem Discovery Methods 15 Problem Definition Methods 16 Solution Design and Refinement Methods 17 Testing and Execution Methods 18 Monitor and Iterate Methods 19 Bonus: Uncommon Methods PART SIX Analysis and Synthesis Breakdown 20 Demystifying the Synthesis Process 21 Running Synthesis Sessions 22 An Analysis and Synthesis Process for Generative Research 23 Writing Insights and Recommendations PART SEVEN Creating Effective and Realistic Deliverables and Outcomes 24 Writing Reports 25 Using the Pyramid Principle 26 Session Summaries 27 Research Newsletters 28 Personas 29 Ecosystem Maps 30 UX Scorecard PART EIGHT Activating Your User Research 31 Bring Your Insights to Life PART NINE Juggling It All 32 Using AI as a Thought Partner 33 Democratizing User Research 34 Time Management 35 Navigating Burnout PART TEN Test and Iterate 36 Feedback and Iteration