2

I am trying to implement a solid UX strategy for a new web application. Most of the research methods I’ve read about so far involve existing users of an existing product. Alas, I have neither.
Can UX / UCD research methodologies be applied to a new concept or a new project? Or, are they only used to improve existing products?

4
  • 1
    All methods are made for this. You just have to figure out which method will give you most valuable information Dec 4, 2016 at 21:58
  • you can use any research method you want. your limitation seems to be not finding existing users because the product doesn't exist. But you would have a type of user in mind, right?
    – colmcq
    Dec 5, 2016 at 10:42
  • You must have some idea about who this is being targeted at. Most solutions should solve some problem or provide some value for some person.
    – SteveD
    Dec 5, 2016 at 13:33
  • Thanks, Yes see now that I must proactively source these people who approximate our target audience to carry out interviews, surveys etc. The realisation dawns that its a much bigger task than I had thought. I know the rest can follow on from this once I have a sound basis to develop my personas etc. Time to roll up my sleeves :-)
    – GlennW
    Dec 6, 2016 at 0:00

2 Answers 2

3

Definitely.

User Centered Design is about building a product around users so you definitely need to a do a lot of user research before that.

Talk to potential users, check out existing users of the competition, create your personas and then the scenarios of use based on these personas, until you can reach your complete user journey and can begin wireframing.

2
1

That which you seek: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.