Build log #6 - Assumptions being challenged
What happens when your user research challenges your assumptions? What to do when you are confused by conflicting data and begin to question “have I got it wrong all along?”
This was me earlier on this week!
In this post, I will share with you how I tackle this challenge.
Previous posts in this series covered my side projects only. Actually, my focus In 2024 was building a platform for teenagers that aims to transform screen time from passive scrolling into a productive experience. It is designed to be engaging for teenagers and reassuring for parents.
This week, I ran into a major problem.
As I started talking with target customers, 2 things happened:
What I’ve gathered from online research does not match my interview data
User opinions lie on extreme ends of the scale
A fundamental assumption is being challenged.
Here’s how I handle this dilemma.
My Action Plan
Remembering the Why
Research is meant to uncover all sorts of findings. Some would align with expectations, some wouldn’t.
The difficulty of being both the product designer and the researcher is that I do carry with me intrinsic biases (we are only humans). These biases will hurt the success of my product in the long run.
Therefore, it is important to remember why user research exists - to gain understanding in order to maximize certainty and design an optimal Product-User fit.Assigning Weight
Some sources are more relevant than others. In my case, global statistics may be a useful reference, but at this project stage it speaks less volume than what target users tell me face-to-face.Expanding the sample size
Speaking with even more users will provide a broader dataset from which to detect trends and draw better conclusions. While it is not always easy to find interviewees, I need to make this a top priority in my project.
Final thoughts and Next steps
As I started this Design Thinking Build Log, I wanted everyone to have a glimpse into my daily work, to see the human side of, well, human-centric design projects! Along the way, it’s also my hope that you can pick up some tips and inspirations.
Have you faced conflicting data in your research? What did you do? Please share in the comments below.
Previously in this series:
Build Log #0: Follow me along my Journey of Innovation
Build Log #1: Create a way out of Tedious Analogue Tracking
Build Log #2: Tips on organizing Initial Thoughts
Build Log #3: Overcoming a Roadblock - Innovating without access to Users
Build log #4: Pivot to building a Notion template
Build log #5: Anticipating Challenges