This study underscored the significance of a user-friendly interface and efficient content discovery. By addressing the identified pain points and building on positive aspects, Research Bookmark could further solidify its position as a valuable UX Resource Hub.
Role: | UX Researcher |
Duration | 12 weeks |
Methodologies used | Moderated Usability testing, User Interviews, Deductive coding, Thematic Analysis, Affinity mapping |
Project Objective
This UX research study aimed to assess the usability and effectiveness of Research Bookmark, a comprehensive UX Resource Hub/Library. The primary objectives were to determine if users found the platform easy to navigate, identify potential friction points, measure brand awareness, and uncover insights for platform improvement.
Research Goals
Key research questions that guided the study's focus were:
- How do users typically discover and locate UX research resources?
- Are users familiar with Research Bookmark as a UX Resource Hub?
- Does Research Bookmark facilitate the easy finding and consumption of UX research resources?
- How do users handle important resources they encounter on the platform?
The insights from this study were intended to gauge the platform's current usability, assess brand recognition, and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing user experience.
Participants
I recruited a total of 20 participants through social media and email. The participant pool included:
- UX students
- Those transitioning to UX research
- Established UX researchers(Junior, mid-level and senior)
This ensured a diverse representation of perspectives to also help us really establish our true users
Methodology
I employed a moderated Usability Testing approach coupled with mini-user interviews.
I presented participants with tasks that required finding specific UX resources on the Research Bookmark platform.
I conducted mini-interviews to delve into their approach, resource preferences, and their perception of a quality resource.
Data Collection and Analysis
I conducted the Usability testing sessions via Zoom, with participants' consent for recording. Observations included task completion time, navigational paths, and usage of platform features.
I applied thematic analysis to the data collected from usability testing and mini-interviews. The Dovetail tool facilitated the tagging, synthesis, and analysis of data, leading to the identification of patterns and insights.
Findings
Participants' preferences for bookmarking and leaving tabs open for later exploration were noted creating a genuine interest in the platform
The usability testing and mini-interviews provided valuable insights into users' experiences with Research Bookmark. Participants' feedback highlighted both positive aspects and areas in need of improvement:
Positive Aspects:
- Participants appreciated the platform's categorization and clustering of information.
- The quick links were well-received as they offered self-explanatory access to a wide range of resources.
- Several users likened Research Bookmark to Wikipedia, praising its comprehensive and consolidated nature.
- These findings indicated that the platform's intention to serve as a one-stop-shop for UX resources was resonating with users.
Challenges and Pain Points:
- Users encountered difficulties in locating resources due to the visibility and accessibility of the search bar.
- The long lists of articles felt overwhelming, and participants expressed a desire for more refined categorization.
- The static nature of information was likened to an encyclopedia, implying a need for dynamic content.
- Participants also expressed a need for improved navigation labels and filtering options.
- Brand awareness varied among users, suggesting potential areas for marketing and visibility enhancement.
The findings spotlighted the need for a refined search experience and UI enhancements on Research Bookmark. Addressing navigational challenges and providing targeted content curation were identified as key considerations to improve user engagement and retention.
Implications
The findings had significant implications for the user experience on Research Bookmark:
Search Experience Enhancement:
The identified challenges around the search bar's visibility and accessibility indicated that users' ability to locate resources was hindered. Addressing this issue could significantly improve users' ability to find relevant content quickly.
Content Organization and Curation:
The desire for more granular categorization and the overwhelming nature of long lists of articles underscored the importance of content organization. Implementing a thoughtful categorization and tagging system could enhance users' ability to discover resources aligned with their needs.
Engagement and User Retention:
The static nature of information and the request for dynamic content highlighted the need to engage users consistently. By providing regular updates, such as an "Article or Video of the Week," the platform could encourage users to return and explore new content.
User Navigation and Filtering:
Improving navigation labels and introducing filtering options would empower users to find resources based on their preferences. This enhancement could cater to users with varying needs and interests.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following recommendations were proposed to enhance the Research Bookmark user experience:
- Search Bar Visibility: Ensure the search bar is prominently displayed and easily accessible on the platform to facilitate quick and efficient resource discovery.
- Categorization and Tagging: Implement a keyword-based categorization and tagging system for articles, enabling users to navigate resources based on specific topics of interest.
- Visual Enhancement: Introduce more visual content formats, such as a gallery-style display for resources, to enhance engagement and make content consumption more appealing.
- Comprehensive Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions for courses and resources, offering users a clear understanding of what each resource entails before exploring further.
- Platform Information and Updates: Include information about the platform's purpose and the team behind it. Regularly update content to maintain user interest and engagement, possibly through features like "Resource of the Week."
- Advanced Filtering: Enable users to filter resources based on various criteria, such as source, author, or resource type, to tailor their browsing experience.
- Content Value Addition: Consider summarizing existing articles or adding advanced-level content to cater to users with varying levels of expertise and interests.
Impact
The findings acted as a catalyst for Research Bookmark V3, leading to iterative improvements that yielded a significant increase in user traffic of more than 5000 users in a span of 8 months.
Future research could focus on evaluating the impact of implemented changes, tracking user engagement, and assessing the evolution of brand awareness and usability over time.
Through this UX research study, Research Bookmark gained valuable insights into its user experience landscape, driving informed design enhancements that positively impacted user engagement and interaction.