Hi, I'm Nick.
I believe that although each organization has unique goals and needs, there are definitely trends that emerge relating to the size and stage of a company. Ironically, often research is the most crucial during early stages where critical features and strategies are determined - and yet this is also most commonly when companies don't think such efforts fit their budget.
Early stage startups are usually under major pressure for turnaround, with ship dates and iterations of product happening at breakneck pace.
In a growing company angling for marketshare, financial considerations are of premium importance: companies look to make every dollar count and to only pay for exactly what they need.
When making decisions, many times there is such a hustle to ship and make products that fundamental questions of product market fit and user need are overlooked.
As a result of this "client-facing" focus, the techniques best suited to assess the concerns aren’t deep skills for existing team members.
Focal points of early stage companies tend to veer towards the most “client facing” elements; easily quantified initiatives like sales and product management often overshadow pivotal research and product insights that can actually be critically significant in the long term.
Therefore, there exists a clear need for companies to obtain essential information early about the products and markets in which they operate. I provide a solution to key questions that will generate data-driven, actionable insights and deliverables to address crucial business questions - at a fraction of the cost conventionally required.
User Researcher • san francisco, CA
A/B TESTING
When confronted with set options, which will users choose?
USER DIARY STUDIES
What kinds of thoughts and impressions do users have over time and with continued exposure to a product?
PRODUCT STRATEGY
After analysis of research data, what types of decisions are most prudent?
RAPID PROTOTYPING
When strategic objectives are in place, how would that look in the next product iteration?
PERSONA CREATION
Who might our target users be? What do we know about them?
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES
What kinds of environments and contexts do users experience?
USABILITY TESTING
Can a user locate and complete key objectives of the experience?
CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT INTERVIEWING
What kinds of beliefs and perceptions do users hold about their world and behaviors in it?
The best part is, all this actionable product insight isn't going to cost you a fortune.