Book Reviews

Rethinking Users: How a Detailed Look at User Archetypes Can Change Your Outlook on EcoSystems by Michael Youngblood, Benjamin J. Chesluk, & Nadeem Haidary,BIS Publishers, 2021

Book reviewer Paula Rosecky, who is both a facilitator and coach, uses the context of a plane ride to share how Rethinking Users: How a Detailed Look at User Archetypes Can Change Your Outlook on EcoSystems, by Michael Youngblood, Benjamin J. Chesluk, and Nadeem Haidary, expands the reader’s view of user design. […]

Global

Usability Testing with Corner Store Owners in Pakistan: A How-To (and How-Not-To) Guide

When researching within the fast-and-loose world of corner store owners in Pakistan, Western design principles and User Experience research methodologies often do not apply. Issues such as cramped spaces in stores, cracked phone screens, dialect differences, and a target of technology novices can derail your research. Based on personal experience, Usama Waheed (co-founder at dli5) explains why many traditional UX techniques do not work in these situations and then shares UX methods he has developed to adapt to this market […]

Business Matters

Confidentiality Matters: Qualitative Best Practices

Data privacy is becoming increasingly important, and also increasingly confusing. The global head of compliance and quality for Cerner Enviza discusses best practices for maintaining confidentiality and also abiding by privacy laws when practicing qualitative research. The article includes advice on how to best handle any incidental disclosure by respondents. […]

Toolbox

Why is it So Hard to Rest?

This article by Dr. Isabeau Iqbal explores the benefits of rest and provides strategies for incorporating more rest into your days, even when you are rest-resistant or rest-averse, ultimately providing for better health and greater productivity. […]

Dear Emeritus

QRCA Emeriti Inspire Social Progress with Qualitative Techniques

QRCA Emeriti share perspectives on qualitative tools and facilitation techniques by lending a hand in creating more productive dialogue in our society at the community level. Several suggestions for local volunteering opportunities are offered, tactics that qualitative researchers can teach non-researchers are discussed, and a sneak peek of what the Emeritus members are developing for the research industry is included. […]

Trends

Research After ResTech: How Emerging Research Technologies Will Challenge and Change What We Do

Dave Kaye of Field Notes Communities expounds on the future of research in the context of rapidly proliferating technological tools for conducting research and the potential these tools have to change the way the market research industry operates. He predicts that an influx of novice researchers supported by emerging technical tools will call for greater guidance by researchers with established expertise. […]

Schools of Thought

The Critical Need to Read Body Language in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research has long relied upon verbal responses to discussions/interview questions. This method appeared to work well, until it didn’t. It has become evident that what a research participant’s body language says is just as important, if not more important, than what they verbally say. It is time for qualitative researchers to add formal body language training to their professional toolbox. The good news is there are training and certification options to help you become a Micro Expression Practitioner or Micro Expression Master. […]