The Power of
Perspectivein UX:
My Journey with
the "Thinking Aloud" Method
Perspectivein UX:
My Journey with
the "Thinking Aloud" Method
My Personal Approach to UX as a Graphic Designer
As a graphic designer, I've always been drawn to the aesthetics of design. The allure of creating visually stunning work often captivated me, sometimes to the point where I overlooked the crucial aspect of UX. My journey, however, took a transformative turn during my bachelor's and master's degrees, where I was introduced to UX sessions that reshaped my understanding of design. They taught me that design is so much more than making things beautiful. It’s about creating solutions that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and user-friendly.
In the realm of User Experience (UX) design, the "Thinking Aloud" method is a time-tested approach that offers deep insights into user behavior. Having utilized this method, I've come to appreciate not only its direct benefits but also the broader importance of shifting perspectives. This post will delve into my experiences and explain why embracing different viewpoints is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of UX challenges and solutions.
What is the "Thinking Aloud" Method?
The "Thinking Aloud" method, pioneered by usability expert Jakob Nielsen, involves asking users to verbalize their thoughts as they interact with a product or interface. This real-time narration provides UX researchers with valuable insights into the user's thought process, uncovering usability issues and areas for improvement that might not be evident through observation alone.
Personal Experiences with "Thinking Aloud"
My journey with the "Thinking Aloud" method began with a simple usability test for a website during my bachelors degree. In my Mater degree program, I was able to learn how to work with UX and the Thinking Aloud method again. Here, too, I analyzed a website (aribnb.com) with different test subjects. I asked participants to complete tasks while narrating their thoughts. Initially, I focused solely on the obvious: what they were doing and the issues they encountered. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that the true value lay in understanding why they did what they did and how they felt throughout the process.
The Importance of Changing Perspectives
One of the most profound lessons I've learned is the necessity of adopting multiple viewpoints. In UX research, it's easy to become entrenched in our assumptions and biases. The "Thinking Aloud" method naturally challenges this by providing unfiltered user feedback. But to truly harness its power, we must be willing to shift our perspective.
Consider a scenario where two users provide conflicting feedback. Instead of choosing one perspective over the other, I've found it beneficial to explore both. Each user's experience sheds light on different aspects of the design, leading to a more holistic understanding. This approach not only resolves specific issues but also enhances the overall user experience.
Lessons Learned
Embrace Ambiguity: Not all feedback will be clear-cut. Embracing ambiguity and exploring different interpretations can lead to more innovative solutions.
Seek Diverse Participants: Different users bring different perspectives. Ensure your user group is diverse to capture a wide range of insights.
Stay Curious: Always ask why. Digging deeper into users' thoughts and behaviors can reveal underlying issues and opportunities for improvement.
Iterate Based on Feedback: Use the insights gained to iterate and refine your designs. The "Thinking Aloud" method is most effective when it informs continuous improvement.
Enhancing Graphic Design with User-Centric Insights
The insights I've gained from using the UX-session during my masters programm have significantly influenced my everyday work as a graphic designer. Now, I approach each project with a dual focus on aesthetics and user experience. During the design process, I regularly conduct informal "Thinking Aloud" sessions, where I ask colleagues or clients to interact with my designs while verbalizing their thoughts. This helps me identify any usability issues early on and understand the rationale behind their actions and reactions. By integrating these real-time feedback loops, I ensure that my designs are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and user-friendly. This holistic approach allows me to create designs that resonate more deeply with users, blending beauty with functionality seamlessly.
Conclusion
The "Thinking Aloud" method is a powerful tool in the UX researcher's toolkit, offering direct insight into user experiences. However, its true potential is unlocked when combined with a willingness to change perspectives. By embracing different viewpoints, we can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of user needs and create designs that truly resonate.
I encourage to not only employ the "Thinking Aloud" method but also to remain open to the diverse perspectives it reveals. In doing so, you'll not only enhance your designs but also your ability to empathize with and understand your users.
* special thanks to:
Fleur Jeanquartier, lecturer (User Experience & Interaction Design) who inspired me to write this article.