Problem validation methods
What is problem validation?
Problem validation research seeks to provide decision makers with a well understood and clearly articulated customer problem. Problem validation encompasses generative research as well as descriptive and informative research.
- Generative research helps develop a deeper understanding of users to uncover opportunities for solutions and innovation.
- Descriptive and informative research begins with a problem statement in mind and is used to gain a detailed understanding of the context of the problem.
When to use problem validation?
Generative research is done when we don’t have a good understanding of what the problem is we need to solve. Often this occurs at the very beginning of the product design process. The purpose is to formulate a problem to solve and have a decent level of confidence that the problem is a relevant one.
Descriptive and informative research starts with a problem statement, which provides us a concrete problem to solve. This research is used to gain a better understanding of the context we are trying to solve for through our design and is imperative to fill the knowledge gaps of the solution environment by what our participants know.
What questions can problem validation answer?
Generative research provides answers to these questions:
- Is there a problem? If so, what is it?
- Who are the users?
- What are the users’ mental models as they relate to the problem(s)?
Descriptive and informative research provides answers to these questions:
- What are the pain points today?
- How do users feel about it?
- How is this done today?
- Why is it done this way?
Different problem validation research methods
When choosing the right method for problem validation research, first ask yourself if you need generative or informative research.
Some problem validation research methods include:
- Contextual inquiry
- In-depth interview with potential users
- In-depth interview with stakeholders
- Diary study
- Participatory design
- User journey mapping
- User story mapping
Problem validation research seeks to provide decision makers with a well understood and clearly articulated customer problem. At Hyletic, problem validation encompasses generative research as well as descriptive and informative research.
- Generative research helps develop a deeper understanding of users to uncover opportunities for solutions and innovation.
- Descriptive and informative research begins with a problem statement in mind and is used to gain a detailed understanding of the context of the problem.
Problem validation research is not only conducted with end users. Often, sales and support can offer valuable insights into customer behavior. They typically interact with a large number of customers/users and have a well developed understanding of what needs customers/users have and what issues they have faced.
Generative research methods
To choose the right generative research method, you need to identify the purpose for your research. Ask yourself “Why am I doing this research?”. Your answer will help you choose which method to use. You should also ask yourself how much detail you need, what kind of participants you need, and the fidelity of insight you require. If you are still unsure, please reach out to your UX Researcher.
| Overall Purpose for Research | Research Method |
|---|---|
| How users perform in their natural environment, What tools they use, How their space is set up | Contextual inquiry |
| What users’ attitudes, beliefs, desires, and experiences are | In-depth interview |
| How users complete tasks over an extended period of time (hours, days or weeks) | Diary study |
| How my customers might solve product problems for themselves | Participatory design |
| What the entire experience is from the user’s standpoint | User journey mapping |
You can also frame questions using the Taxonomy of Cognitive Domain, which explains how certain verbs target particular thought processes. This is a great way to expand your questioning in order to help trigger specific responses from participants.
| Domain | Critical Thinking Process | Verbs to use | Sample Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Remembering Memorizing Recognizing | Who What When Where How | What do you like about how you currently [problem/task]?What is the biggest pain point related to [problem/task]?Tell me about the last time you tried to [problem/task].How much time do you typically spend on [problem/task]? |
| Comprehension | Interpreting Translating Describing | Explain Outline Distinguish Compare Define | Why is [problem/task] important to you? |
| Application | Problem-solving Applying information | Show Use Complete Classify Relate | Show me how you currently go about [problem/task]. |
| Analysis | Separating Finding structure | Contrast Categorize Identify Separate Diagram | What type of workarounds have you created to help with [problem/task]?What do you like or dislike about these other products or tools?What’s the hardest part about [problem/task]? |
| Synthesis | Creating Combining | Create Imagine Design Propose Invent | Create your ideal pipeline status page. Explain your design. |
| Evaluation | Judging Resolving | Select Decide Prioritize Rate Discuss | Rank the following features in order of their usefulness to you in completing your tasks. Explain your answers. |