User feedback is essential in the development of any business. It may be used to look at strategies for the business as a whole or for aspects of the business such as customer service or the company website. Although ‘user testing’ and ‘user research’ are often used interchangeably when discussing feedback, they have different meanings.
User Research
User research is a general term that covers a number of practices, including user testing. It is found at the heart of the design process to make sure it is user-friendly. So if you are designing a new website, for example, you will carry out user research to understand the behaviour and preferences of your customers. A good website designer will then make sure the website is designed with these users in mind. If you do not yet have a website designer, an internet search for your area will show you what is available. For example, a search term like website design Surrey will provide links like www.akikodesign.com/design/web-and-digital.
The more thorough the user research, the better the design will be. You will need to look at both the behaviour and the attitudes of the potential customers as well as work out whether these insights are reflective of the broader population. Research is likely to be carried out in the planning stages of a project but should also be done with the finished result.
User Testing
User testing is qualitative research that tests how products like apps and software are working. Usually this is done before releasing the final version so any issues can be ironed out before it is generally used, which means the final version is a well-designed one.
Which Is Best?
Whether you need to carry out user testing or some other form of user research will depend very much on what information you need, as both are important. User testing through interviews or observation will enhance your understanding of your target user. However, qualitative research is also important to widen your understanding as you continue to evolve your product.
