Apple & Banana outline common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of UX research and provide practical strategies to avoid them. One key misstep is relying too heavily on familiar methods, like user interviews, which may not always suit the research question at hand. Instead, they recommend selecting methods based on the decisions stakeholders need to make, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
Another major pitfall is failing to advocate for users during internal discussions, especially when business goals clash with user needs. Staying silent can lead to decisions that harm the user experience. Researchers are urged to actively represent the user’s perspective by asking thoughtful questions and working with peers to ensure user-centric solutions are considered. By addressing these issues, researchers can enhance the value and impact of their work.
