Exploring User Research: Understanding People, Needs & Assumptions

Research Process

Problem

The main problem I am investigating is the shortcomings of online tutorials as a learning resource for solving problems. Despite their widespread use, many users struggle to find tutorials that effectively address their needs. 

    Some common issues I observed with online tutorials include:

• Lack of Engagement: Some tutorials rely on textual content or long-format videos, which can be difficult to follow. The experience often gives the impression of being more like an assignment rather than an engaging interaction, which leads to disinterest. 

• Lack of Real-World Application: Some tutorials present only basic examples that lack real-world relevance, making it difficult for users to apply what they have learned. Additionally, some tutorials fail to provide detailed instructions tailored to specific models or situations, leaving users frustrated as they struggle to adapt generic guidance to their needs. 

• Assumption of Prior Knowledge: Some tutorials skip fundamental steps, assuming the users already have prior knowledge. This leaves beginners struggling, especially when key concepts are not explained clearly. Without proper guidance, they may need to find additional resources, disrupting their learning process and leading to frustration in not completing the task.

• Outdated or Ineffective Solutions: Some tutorials provide instructions that overlook version differences or fail to include clear steps for resolving common errors. When issues arise, users are often left to resolve them on their own, leading to frustration and wasted time. Additionally, some tutorials continue to teach outdated methods, causing users to learn inefficient or incorrect practices.

• Fragmented learning experience: Users often have to switch between various sources, such as blogs, YouTube, and other websites, to piece together a solution. There is no single reference website which users can rely on for one complete solution. This leads to more time spent searching for answers across different platforms. The approach is time-consuming and inefficient. 

The snapshot above is an example of a tutorial that demonstrates how a tutorial should not be designed for users. It is primarily text-based, lacking visual figures to guide the user, and it offers no customization options. In this particular example, the tutorial on transferring videos from a computer to an iPhone provides vague instructions regarding the location of icons within the iTunes software and does not specify which iTunes software versions the instructions apply.

Assumptions

1. Users primarily refer to online tutorials for learning new skills or solving problems rather than formal courses or textbooks.

            

2. Most users’ frustration comes from poorly formatted tutorials, such as those that do not include clear explanations or interactive elements.

3. A lack of engagement leads to high tutorial abandonment rates, as users feel disconnected from text guides or uninteresting videos. 

4. Most users find video tutorials more effective than text tutorials, as videos provide a more natural step-by-step demonstration.        

UX Research Methods

1. Observations - Observing users as they interact with existing tutorials helps identify challenges, such as unclear instructions or difficulty navigating content. This method reveals issues users may not explicitly mention, like frustration or tutorial abandonment.

        

2. Interviews - They provide a more detailed understanding of users’ experiences, challenges, and preferences. By asking about their learning habits and ideal tutorial features, I can better understand their needs and adapt them into my interactive tutorial application.

        

Finding and Interacting with Users

To understand users' challenges with online tutorials, the participants are gathered through a class group project. One of my team members had close friends who were willing to share their experiences, providing firsthand insights into the difficulties they faced while using online tutorials. Interaction methods included direct observations and interviews.

One major challenge was ensuring a diverse range of participants, as beginners and experienced users had different expectations. Scheduling interviews was also difficult due to availability issues. To overcome this, I provided flexible time slots for interviews, allowing participants to leave whenever they needed or when enough information had been gathered. Additionally, I offered multiple participation options, such as live discussions, recorded responses, and surveys, making it easier for users with different schedules and preferences to contribute.

         

Data Analysis and Synthesis

I analyzed user feedback by identifying common patterns related to how engaging online tutorials were and whether they provided practical, real-world examples. Responses were categorized into key pain points, including missing steps, outdated content, and fragmented learning experiences. By grouping similar concerns and tracking how often each issue appeared, I highlighted the most common problems.

The findings confirmed that lack of engagement and unclear instructions were the most significant        factors leading to tutorial abandonment. This analysis guided the approach to designing a more interactive and user-friendly tutorial experience.

What I Learned

One surprising aspect from my research is that there is no single "perfect" tutorial format. I initially assumed video tutorials were the most effective, but I learned that different users have different needs. Some prefer text-based tutorials with more visuals, while others value community-driven content with discussions and shared experiences. Some find step-by-step videos helpful, while others prefer interactive guides.

The most valuable insight was that the best tutorials are adaptable. They should offer multiple ways for users to engage, whether through visuals, interactivity, or community input. This research refined my project idea by emphasizing the need for flexible and customizable tutorials rather than rigid, one-size-fits-all formats. Moving forward, I aim to design tutorials that incorporate multiple learning approaches, ensuring they adapt to a broader range of users.

Beyond HCI: Applying These Learnings to Life & Career 

User research is valuable in everyday life because it helps us understand other people's needs and behaviors, leading to more effective products and experiences. Whether in tech, business, design, or leadership, understanding users is essential for creating solutions that address real-world challenges. In my future career, being able to gather perspectives from users allows me to design better products to improve customer experiences. This experience has changed the way I think about technology, showing me its impact on people's lives. Conducting research taught me the importance of listening to users and refining solutions based on their feedback. It also emphasized the need for flexibility when responding to diverse needs and how research can help bridge the gap between what users expect and what technology can deliver.