4 types of research methods all designers should know

Design isn’t just about making things look pretty – it’s about solving real problems for real people. And to do that well, research is non-negotiable. Whether you're designing a website, an app, or a product, understanding your users is the key. There are tons of research methods out there, but let’s focus on 4 essential ones every designer should be familiar with.

1. User Interviews – Talk to Real People

This is probably the most straightforward but also one of the most powerful methods. You sit down (virtually or in person) and just talk to your users – understand their pain points, behaviors, and goals.

Example:
When we were designing a ticket booking feature for a sports event site, user interviews revealed that most fans book tickets last minute and need a super quick flow. That insight helped us simplify the booking journey.

Tip: Keep your questions open-ended. Avoid yes/no questions.

2. Surveys – Quick Insights from Many Users

If you need data from a larger group, surveys are your go-to. You can send them out and gather tons of input quickly. They're great for validating assumptions or gathering preferences.

Example:
Before redesigning the homepage for a cricket league site, we ran a short survey. Turns out, users wanted "Live Scores" front and center – not latest news. That changed our layout completely.

Use tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or SurveyMonkey.

3. Usability Testing – Watch Them Struggle (Or Succeed)

This one’s a game changer. You give users a prototype and watch how they interact with it. Where they click, where they hesitate – it all gives you clues about what's working and what’s not.

Example:
While testing a live match center, we noticed users couldn’t find the "Live Commentary" tab. A simple icon tweak increased engagement by 30%.

Do it early and often – even low-fidelity prototypes work!

4. A/B Testing – Let Data Settle the Debate

Stuck between two versions of a feature? Don’t guess – test both. A/B testing lets you serve different versions to different users and see what performs better.

Example:
We were unsure if a sticky CTA or a floating one would drive more app installs. A/B testing showed the floating one converted 22% more.

Tools like Google Optimize or VWO are super helpful here.

Conclusion:
Design backed by research is powerful. It reduces guesswork and builds confidence. These 4 methods – interviews, surveys, usability testing, and A/B testing – form a solid foundation. And honestly, even using just 2 of them regularly can massively improve your designs.