In 2021, a gap in the market was identified and innovation was required in the UX space. We were commissioned to determine if UX professionals were in true need of a vertical UX Search Engine.
Role: | UX Researcher |
Duration | 8 weeks |
Methodologies used | Secondary/Desk research, Moderated User Interviews, User Surveys, Deductive coding, Thematic Analysis, Affinity mapping |
Project Objective
Our primary objective was to understand the experience of UX professionals when using generic search engines like Google to validate if there was a genuine need for a vertical search engine specializing in providing UX-related information. We recognized that UX professionals faced challenges due to information overload, difficulty in validating credible sources, and finding relevant resources. As a result, we aimed to explore their search habits, pain points, and potential interest in a specialized search engine.
Research Goals
The research questions that guided our study were as follows:
- How often do UX professionals use Google search in their UXR-related work?
- What specific tasks do they rely on Google search for in their UXR-related work?
- How do they validate the credibility of sources found through search?
- What aspects of Google search do UX professionals appreciate for their work?
- What are the pain points and dislikes about using Google search in their UXR-related work?
The insights gained from this research would validate the need for a vertical search engine and inform its development to cater to the specific needs of UX professionals.
Participants
We recruited a diverse group of participants, including:
- Junior, Mid-level, and Senior UX Researchers.
- Individuals in UX internships and
- Those transitioning to the UX field.
Through a rigorous screener, we ensured that the participants met our criteria for relevancy and diversity. In total, we had 20 participants from various industries and different years of experience.
Methodologies
To gather comprehensive data, we employed a combination of user interviews and surveys. Moderated user interviews allowed us to delve deeper into participants' responses. The interviews were conducted with a drafted discussion guide to ensure consistency across all team members and reduce potential bias in question phrasing.
The survey was distributed in different UX communities enabling us to capture a broader range of perspectives.
Data Analysis
I analyzed the data using two approaches:
- Deductive coding and
- Thematic analysis
to identify patterns, insights, and pain points. I used Dovetail, a data analysis tool, to tag, synthesize, and gain deeper insights from the data collected.
Findings
The findings of our UX research study provided deep insights into the challenges and experiences faced by UX professionals when utilizing generic search engines like Google for their work. The study shed light on the complexities and pain points that arise during information-seeking processes and highlighted the potential benefits of a specialized vertical search engine for the UX community. Some of the findings entail:
- Overwhelming Information Overload: Participants consistently expressed the struggle of wading through an overwhelming amount of information when conducting searches. The sheer volume of search results often led to inefficiencies, causing frustration and wasted time. Many participants found it difficult to sift through numerous resources to pinpoint the information most relevant to their specific needs.
- Credibility and Source Validation: UX professionals frequently encountered difficulties in discerning trustworthy and credible sources from the multitude of search results. They expressed concerns about the reliability of information found through generic search engines, highlighting the potential for misinformation or outdated content.
- Contextual Relevance: Participants frequently mentioned the importance of finding resources that align with the context of their projects or research. Many noted that search results often provided information that was too generic or lacked the specific details needed to address their unique challenges. This led to a sense of frustration and a desire for a more tailored search experience.
- Time-Intensive Search Process: The search process itself was often time-consuming. Participants mentioned the need to invest substantial time in refining search queries, reviewing search results, and evaluating sources for credibility. This time investment was a source of concern, particularly in fast-paced work environments where efficiency is paramount.
- Appreciation for Google's Accessibility and Variety: Despite the challenges, participants acknowledged the accessibility and variety that Google search offers. They appreciated the ease of use, familiarity, and broad scope of Google's search capabilities. Google's search dominance in the industry was a significant reason for its continued use, even in the face of its limitations.
Actionable recommendations
- User-Centered Design: Employ user-centered design principles to create an intuitive and user-friendly interface that mimics the ease of use and familiarity of Google search.
- Efficient Information Retrieval: A specialized search engine that could address the issue of information overload by providing more focused and relevant search results.
- Curation and Indexing: Curate and index content from established and respected sources within the UX field to ensure the availability of reliable and credible information.
- Contextualization Algorithms: Implement advanced algorithms that consider user context and intent to deliver search results that align with the specific needs of UX professionals.
- Save and Organize Feature: Incorporate a feature that enables users to save and organize search results, enhancing their ability to revisit and apply valuable information.
Action and Impact
My recommendations were taken upon and the product team built a vertical search engine and launched it to the user base. As a result, users expressed an improvement in the search experienced and felt like they were using a tool that finally understood them. Due to the vertical search engine, our user base increased from 1000 users to 5000 users.
You can access the Search Engine here: https://www.researchbookmark.io/
Conclusion
In conclusion, our UX research study illuminated the challenges that UX professionals face when using generic search engines for their information needs. The findings strongly support the need for a vertical search engine specialized in UX-related information. Such an engine has the potential to streamline information retrieval, enhance source credibility, and provide contextually relevant resources, ultimately empowering UX professionals to excel in their work.
Future Research
I recommended conducting post-developmental research to assess the effectiveness of the vertical search engine in addressing the identified challenges. Additionally, further exploration of the daily routines and search habits of UX professionals could provide deeper insights into how the search engine can be integrated seamlessly into their workflow.
Through this comprehensive UX research study, we established a compelling case for the creation of a vertical search engine tailored to the needs of UX professionals. The findings provided valuable guidance for the development of a tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way UX professionals access and utilize information in their field.