How can you conduct UX research with participants who are unfamiliar with tech?

When conducting research with participants who are unfamiliar with technology, it's essential to adapt your methods to meet their needs and capabilities, not expect the other way around. Here are some strategies: Make things simple: Use clear language in all communications. Provide simple, step-by-step instructions with examples and visual aids, such as illustrations or animations. Visuals can be especially helpful for individuals who may have difficulty understanding written or verbal instructions. Go where the users are: Consider using analog methods such as paper surveys, in-person interviews, or focus groups. Be friendly and patient: provide reassurance that their input is valuable and that there are no right or wrong answers.

You should consider simplifying the entire tech concept to them. Some still find it hard to even understand the whole thing which makes it hard for them catch up. How do you achieve the above? Simply by engaging them. Listen to their opinions. This will help you understand where they are coming from so you can guide them toward a way that align perfectly with them and your project.

Begin your UX research by diving deep into the world of your users, especially those less familiar with technology. It's akin to learning a new language to communicate effectively, understanding their goals, challenges, and how they navigate the digital landscape. Tailor your research methods to fit the comfort levels of low-tech users. Simplify your language, ditch the tech speak, and perhaps swap online surveys for more personal phone calls. It’s about meeting your users where they are, ensuring they feel heard and understood.

To conduct UX research with non-tech-savvy participants, simplify language and instructions. Use familiar tools and environments, like paper prototypes or real-life scenarios. Provide ample support and encouragement throughout the process to ensure participants feel comfortable and valued. Focus on gathering insights into their behaviors and needs rather than technical proficiency, allowing for a more inclusive and insightful research experience.

Consider the user environment. ?? that's the simple answer. Remember, those could be old people ?? or people with low education levels, or even users of old devices. First of all, you will need to recruit offline, which means through your close circles like family and friends (of course don't recruit your first-degree relatives) 2. Users who have no/little tech knowledge will need a very friendly research setup. So when conducting interviews you will need to: ?? talk to them slowly and clearly, ? don't use complicated or technical keywords ?? remind them of the purpose of this research ?? rephrase questions from time to time to validate their answers ? keep the interview short, I would do max 40 minute interviews

Conducting UX research with those unfamiliar with tech requires special consideration. I agree with using paper mockups instead of interactive apps, or co-designing solutions with participants rather than just observing them navigate a prototype. This human-centered approach bridges the tech gap, fostering trust and generating valuable insights from a user group often overlooked. By meeting them on their terms, you unlock a unique perspective, ensuring your product truly resonates with everyone, not just the tech-savvy crowd.

The best method for this is conducting a qualitative research. Asking open ended questions so you can hear them out. Conduct interview so as to help them pour out their mind. Since research is a journey from unknown to known, it is important to note that it's also a journey from known to unknown. Keep it simple for them to comprehend!

Organizing the logistics for your UX research sessions demands a blend of flexibility and creativity, especially when engaging with users not well-versed in technology. It's like organizing a community event where you need to ensure everyone feels welcome and can participate easily. Consider the most accessible and comfortable settings for your participants. This might mean stepping into their world, conducting sessions in their homes or local community centers, ensuring the environment feels familiar and safe. Timing is everything. Align your research schedule with the real-world routines of your participants, showing respect for their time and daily life. It's about making participation convenient, not a burden.

1. Select venues that are comfortable and familiar to participants, helping them feel at ease during the testing process. 2. Ensure that the equipment or devices used during testing are user-friendly and intuitive, minimizing technical hurdles for participants. 3. Provide flexibility in scheduling to accommodate participants' availability, making it easier for them to participate at their convenience. 4. Ensure that knowledgeable staff or facilitators are on hand to assist participants with any technical questions or challenges they may encounter during the testing process. Their presence can help streamline the testing process and address any issues that arise promptly.

Use this section as a canvas for the colorful anecdotes and unexpected insights that didn’t find a home elsewhere in your research. It’s the scrapbook of your project, where the serendipitous, the peculiar, and the enlightening are preserved. Reflect on moments of surprise or revelation that challenged your assumptions or illuminated new pathways. Like the plot twists in a novel, these instances can offer profound shifts in perspective, enriching your understanding of user needs. Share stories that humanize your data, turning numbers and feedback into narratives that resonate on a personal level. These stories are the heartbeats behind the stats, reminding us that at the core of UX research are real people with unique experiences.

The best way to understand non-technical users is to understand the problems they face without bringing any tech into the equation. By understanding the specific type of user you are talking to (ex. construction worker, doctor, etc), you can speak their language to help them see you are on their side trying to solve their pains. Giving a user a simple phone call is often how they feel safest. That way they can explain things without introducing new tech mediums that already provide barriers to them. On that phone call, you can listen to their pains, asking open-ended questions that don't force them into thinking about technology.

Here's how to make UX research smooth sailing for participants unfamiliar with tech: Start simple: Explain the session clearly and avoid technical jargon. Use everyday language and visuals they can easily understand. Focus on tasks, not tools: Don't have them learn a new app or program. Observe their behavior when completing specific tasks, like searching for information or making a purchase. Be patient and encouraging: Offer guidance without leading them. Let them explore and ask questions freely. Remember, it's about understanding their experience, not their tech skills.