In the ‘beyond your business’ podcast, Tara Bosenick talks to Rebekka Schmidt, UX researcher at DATEV eG, who is responsible for implementing the UX research strategy, about the importance of quality aspects in user experience (UX) research. Together, they will delve deep into the challenges and best practices of user research, particularly in the area of tension between the problem and solution spaces.

From writing to research

Rebekka Schmidt begins by talking about her personal career. She originally set her sights on becoming a journalist - inspired by characters such as Lois Lane and Karla Kolumna. However, after a period of job hunting and career detours, she found her true passion in the field of user research through a market research institute. This experience gave her a comprehensive education in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

What makes good user research?

At the heart of the conversation, Tara and Rebekka discuss the question: "When is user research good?" Rebekka emphasises the need to research the problem space first before developing a solution. Rebekka sees a clear connection between corporate culture and the acceptance of user research. Historically grown company structures and a lack of awareness of the advantages of qualitative methods can hinder UX work. Tara shares similar insights from her own experience and emphasises the importance of training and understanding the methodologically correct use of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Time pressure and management: obstacles to qualitative user research

Both interviewees agree that many companies invest too little in the problem space due to time and cost pressures. Rebekka sees a clear connection between corporate culture and the acceptance of user research. Historically grown company structures and a lack of awareness of the advantages of qualitative methods can hinder UX work. Tara shares similar insights from her own experience and emphasises the importance of training and understanding the methodologically correct use of qualitative and quantitative methods.

UX research and market research: a symbiosis?

Another focus is on the collaboration between UX research and market research. While many UX researchers focus exclusively on qualitative methods, Rebekka emphasises how important it is to also use quantitative data. She advocates greater integration between the two disciplines in order to make informed decisions that are both user-centred and data-based.

Continuous feedback and quality assurance

A key point in the podcast is the approach of continuous measurement: products should not only be accompanied by targeted measurement points and feedback systems before launch, but also throughout their entire life cycle. Rebekka and Tara discuss how many companies, especially in Germany, still have some catching up to do to ensure comprehensive, holistic product developm

Driving UX research forward together

The conversation ends with an appeal from Rebekka, who emphasises the need for openness and communication between different areas of the company. Successful user research can only take place if the right framework conditions are in place within the company and UX research is seen as an integral part of the product development process.

Listen now on Apple: https://apple.co/3tKyj3R oder Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FU3bRD !