Expert: Leah Buley

The Right Research Method for Any Problem (and Budget)

The mighty user research toolkit is packed with techniques. It can do everything from blue sky innovation research, to need-finding and requirements gathering, to product validation and testing. But many teams don't exploit the full toolkit, sticking instead to one side or the other of the quant versus qual divide, or returning again and again to that tired old workhorse—usability testing. In this session, Leah Buley will share a primer on the range of research methods available, and guide you in determining which is the best technique for what you’re trying to learn now (and for your budget).

Strategic Storytelling

What You’ll Learn

• Construct compelling narratives
• Communicate the heart of the matter

Hunches, Instincts, and Trusting Your Gut

Leah Buley didn’t set out to become a one-woman UX design team. She transitioned gradually from web developer to interface designer, thanks to her knack for recognizing what separates the great from the good— and the ability to explain why. For over 15 years, Leah has helped companies learn to embrace human-centered design.

The challenge for all designers is how to critique the work, your own or someone else’s. Can you translate your gut feelings into a clear, credible point of view and communicate it to others?

Don’t miss your chance to hear Leah share simple techniques for intelligent critiquing, from evaluating information hierarchy to judging the effectiveness of layout, typography, and messaging. You’ll leave feeling more confident about trusting your gut and expressing your opinions.

Hunches, Instincts, and Trusting Your Gut

What You’ll Learn

• Assess the effectiveness of layout, typography, messaging, and more by looking at the hierarchy of information
• Achieve maximum simplicity and conceptual coherence by looking at elements that feel out of place and asking yourself why
• Examine the success of calls to action and ask, “What can I, the UX designer, do next?”

Research & Design for the UX Team of One

What You’ll Learn

• Lead discovery and planning
• Conduct fast UX research
• Use a transparent design process
• Test designs internally before they're “complete”

Lean Methods for the UX Team of One

What You’ll Learn

• Self-document. As you’re working, you’re also creating the pieces that you need for the deliverable. Nothing is created that can’t be shared and used.
• Discourage time wasted on perfectionistic polishing of deliverables. Lowest fidelity necessary.
• Understand where 20% of the work will bring 80% of the benefit. Designed to help you prioritize.
• Understand that lean methods are those that do one thing at a time and do it well—answer a question, communicate a concept, establish a next step. Bite sized and with a purpose.