Synopses & Reviews
Usability research is a global phenomenon. The world might be growing smaller, but that hasn?t prepared usability practitioners for working globally. Aspects of the testing process differ from culture to culture. What may have worked in Nigeria may not be accepted in Russia, may be done differently in Brazil, may partly work in China, and may completely fail in Kuwait.
Researchers have to know how to deal with differences in:
*Language
*Culture
*Design sense
*Testing philosophies
*Skill sets
These can be formidable issues. What often goes less noticed, but can be equally vexing are technical, logistical and planning issues such as hiring qualified translators, payment procedures, travel issues, setting up facilities and finding test participants.
Practitioners lack sufficient knowledge and preparation to conduct quality global research. And, with time and resources at stake, they are hungry for it.
Thus, the purpose of this book is to share practical, no-nonsense information from a number of knowledgeable sources from around the globe, each with a broad range of experiences from the field.
*Presents the definitive collection of hard won lessons from user experience research professionals around the world
*Includes real-world examples of challenges involved with global user experience research and provides approaches to these issues
*Contains problems, solutions, anecdotes, case studies and outcomes from actual practice that illustrate actionable tactics for the practitioner
Review
"Our products increasingly are finding their way around the world. Usable designs need to reflect the diversity of those global users if they are going to be successful, and not just the perspective coming from one lab in a corporate headquarters. Robert Schumacher’s Handbook of Global User Research is like a GPS system for navigating the complexities of that diversity. It is packed with an incredible amount of practical advice, useful tips, and warnings about potential disasters." – Arnie Lund, PhD, CUXP, Director, User Experience, Microsoft
"Collectively, the authors bring decades and decades of hands-on experience to this book---and it shows. The Handbook of Global User Research offers a wealth of practical tips and advice you can readily rely on in your daily work. But it’s not just a list of do’s and don’ts: this book provides in-depth discussions and history of each topic covered. Anyone doing user research across borders should have a copy of HGUR on their shelf." – James Kalbach, User Experience Consultant, LexisNexis, author of Designing Web Navigation.
Synopsis
User research is global – yet despite its pervasiveness, practitioners are not all well equipped to work globally. What may have worked in Nigeria may not be accepted in Russia, may be done differently in Brazil, may partly work in China, and may completely fail in Kuwait. And what often goes less noticed, but can be equally vexing are technical, logistical and planning issues such as hiring qualified translators, payment procedures, travel issues, setting up facilities and finding test participants.
The Handbook of Global User Research is the first book to focus on global user research. The book collects insight from UX professionals from nine countries and, following a typical project timeline, presents practical insights into the preparation, fieldwork, analysis and reporting, and overall project management for global user research projects. Any user experience professional that works on global projects -- including those new to the field, UX veterans who need information on this expanding aspect of user research, and students -- will need this book to do their job effectively.
*Presents the definitive collection of hard won lessons from user research professionals around the world *Includes real-world examples of global user research challenges and provides approaches to these issues *Contains anecdotes and hard-won from the field that illustrate actionable tactics for practitioners
About the Author
Robert Schumacher, Ph.D., User Centric, Inc. Managing Director Robert M. Schumacher is Managing Director at User Centric, Inc., a leading global user research firm, and CEO of User Experience Ltd., the first foreign-owned user research firm in Beijing, China.. He was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the User Experience Alliance. He speaks frequently on user experience and user research at national and international conferences, holds several patents, and has written dozens of professional and academic papers. In 20 years of professional experience, Bob has held technical and management positions in the telecommunications industry in human factors, new product development, and project management.
User Centric, Inc. Managing Director
Table of Contents
1. Foundations and definition of user research 2. Project management for global research 3. Preparation 4. Fieldwork For Global User Research Projects 5. Analysis and Reporting 6. Global user research methods 7. User research throughout the world 8. The role of professional organizations in user research 9. The impact of culture on user research 10. Closing Thoughts