Move from ‘reading about’ to ‘doing’ Games UX and user research. This series of real-world Games User Research tasks will allow you to create portfolio-worthy examples of doing real games user research.
In this edition, we’re looking at how to pick the right research method.
Picking Research Methods
Research methods are the tools that researchers can call upon to answer the questions teams come to us with.
Some of the more common methods UX researchers use include:
- Interviews
- Observation of a live playtest (and asking live questions)
- Observation of a pre-recorded playtest
- A survey or questionnaire
- A diary study
Researchers with specialist expertise might also apply:
- Reviewing analytics from the game
- A/B testing
- Observation augmented with biometric readings or eyetracking
Picking the right method involves pragmatism. This requires not only understanding which method is best for collecting the data. Researchers frequently have to balance the ‘ideal’ method with considering which method or methods will get us an answer within the time, and budget we have available to us.
Scenario
The team behind Pokemon Unite have agreed some research objectives with you. They are:
- Do players complete the tutorial?
- Do players understand, and are they able to use their character’s special moves?
- Do players learn how to score goals?
- Do players enjoy the game?
- Why do people stop playing within the first 30 days?
Now they want to know how to answer these objectives, and would like answers within the next 2 months.
The Task
If you haven’t played Pokemon Unite, you might want to download it and play through the first thirty minutes, to be familiar with the mechanics described above. (This is called screening the code)
For each of the research objectives, decide which method you would use to answer it. Then come up with an example of the question or task you might set players.
(a fictional example – if the objective was Do players understand what the shop does? , I might consider interviewing them about the shop at the end of a playtest and ask “Tell me how the shop works”)
Extra credit: Think about how you would explain + justify your method choices to someone who isn’t a user researcher and doesn’t understand which methods are good for which purpose.
Where to find help?
Here’s some reading around research methods:
Tomer Sharon’s presentation on validating assumptions with research methods.
How do I enter?
The challenge is always open, so feel free to take part at any time – have a go at the task, and share it with me (or keep it as your own work!). I will be giving (friendly) feedback on many of the submissions received before 15th April 2022.
Follow me on twitter ( @Steve_Bromley) and tweet your research objectives with the hashtag #gamesUXchallenge and I will try and include it in my feedback round-up!
Looking for more games user research advice? Join my mailing list to receive a monthly lesson filled with best practice and practical advice to build a career in the sector.
Ready to finally start your games user research career?
Every month, get sent the latest articles on how to start a career in game development, and find games user research jobs.
Plus get two free e-books of career guidance from top games companies
