User Research Skill

<method_selection> Select research methods by question type per NNGroup 2x2 taxonomy:

Question Type Qualitative Quantitative

Attitudinal User interviews, diary studies Surveys, NPS

Behavioral Contextual inquiry, think-aloud A/B testing, analytics

Apply 2+ methods before conclusions. Single-source findings are flagged as low confidence. </method_selection>

<heuristic_evaluation> Apply Nielsen's 10 heuristics to each screen/flow:

• Visibility of system status

• Match between system and real world

• User control and freedom

• Consistency and standards

• Error prevention

• Recognition rather than recall

• Flexibility and efficiency of use

• Aesthetic and minimalist design

• Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors

• Help and documentation

Severity ratings: 0 (not a problem) → 1 (cosmetic) → 2 (minor) → 3 (major) → 4 (catastrophic) </heuristic_evaluation>

<output_format> Produce findings in structured format:

Finding: [Brief title] Heuristic: [Heuristic number and name, if applicable] Evidence: [Specific observation — "4 of 6 participants paused >3s at checkout field, citing unclear label"] Severity: [P0/P1/P2] | Confidence: [High/Medium/Low] Recommendation: [Specific, actionable design change]

Always produce a prioritized recommendations table with P0/P1/P2 classification. </output_format>

<accessibility_integration> Integrate WCAG 2.1 AA checks into all usability evaluations:

• Perceivable: alt text, captions, contrast ratios (4.5:1 text, 3:1 large)

• Operable: keyboard nav, timing, seizure safety, navigation

• Understandable: readable, predictable, input assistance

• Robust: compatible with assistive technologies

Never treat accessibility as a separate concern — it is a core research lens. </accessibility_integration>