OVERVIEW
Generative and evaluative qualitative research conducted on the Comms Rapid Research team at Google between January 2019 - May 2019.
COMMS - RAPID RESEARCH
The Rapid Research team for Google’s Comms Suite conducts qualitative research requiring rapid analysis. Working in tandem with the department’s UX Researchers, we plan, execute, and report out studies on a weekly cadence to provide quick insights on user needs and product direction for mobile products in the Comms Suite (Android Messages, Duo, Dialer, and Project Fi).
ROLE
UX Research Assistant
TEAM MEMBERS
Jeremy Mendel (Lead Researcher)
Paige Irwin (UX Program Manager)
Brighton Hudak-Kay (UX Research) Associate
Chance Hughes (UX Research Assistant)
DURATION
1 week (weekly cadence)
TOOLS
UserTesting
Validately
AppAnnie
Camtasia
iMovie
Google Meet
Weekly timeline of Rapid Research team
RESEARCH SCHEDULE
At the completion of each week, we present and report our findings to cross functional partners, including UX Researchers, Product Managers, Visual and Interaction Designers, UX Writers, and Engineers.
At the end of each week, we kick off our new research with the lead UX Researcher for the following week.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
Usability Testing (moderated and unmoderated, in-lab and remote)
User Interviews (in-lab and remote)
Literature Reviews
Diary Studies
Intercepts
Card Sort
Competitive Analysis
MONDAY
Conduct pilot study to test check study plan and troubleshoot any potential equipment issues. Make adjustments to study plan or test script.
TUESDAY + WEDNESDAY
Moderate sessions, analyze and interpret data, and debrief themes that developed over the course of the study.
THURSDAY
Compile and synthesize findings to begin research report. Incorporate participant quotes, screenshots and screen captures, video clips, or audio clips to create a more impactful, digestible report.
Review WIP report with team to go over report structure and findings, integrating feedback to make adjustments prior to final report out to stakeholders.
FRIDAY
Present and deliver final report and recommendations to cross functional stakeholders. Report out to appropriate email lists and post to research archive, making it known and accessible to all Googlers.
Kickoff new study with UX Researcher to review study plan, research goals, and key questions.
REFLECTIONS
RESULTS
In just under 5 months, I helped conduct 11 studies and helped provide research results to our teams seeking quick feedback. This cadence of research may be more appropriate for validating a concept prior to launch or further exploration, or providing initial direction for a product. But it can be extremely useful for researchers requiring smaller studies that would assist a larger scale research project.