Ever felt like you nailed every step of your research study, only to stumble at the finish line when presenting your findings? Don't worry, you're not alone.

Here are some common slip-ups you should be aware of, and how to avoid them.

  1. The big-bang hand off

  2. Level of detail dilemma

  3. No actionable points

  4. Are the right people in the room?

  5. Hiding study limitations

1. The big-bang hand off

Imagine a User Researcher meticulously crafting and conducting their research study only to find things fail during presentation. Why? Perhaps they journeyed solo instead of inviting others along for the ride.

I tag this the ‘big-bang’ insights hand off where the User Researcher is delivering what they might consider their ‘masterpiece.’

Collaboration is key to ensuring your insights resonate.

2. Level of detail dilemma

The User Researcher might've drowned their audience in too much information. Remember to gauge your audience's appetite for detail.

Whether it's top-level execs or detail-oriented designers, tailor your presentation accordingly.

3. No Actionable Points

Ever heard a resounding "So what?" after sharing findings? Ouch.

The User Researcher might've missed connecting the dots between research and real-world decisions. Stimulate discussion and pave the way for concrete next steps.

4. Are the Right People in the Room?

Don't overlook the importance of audience selection. Without decision-makers present, your insights might fall on deaf ears.

Ensure the right stakeholders are in attendance for maximum impact.

5. Hiding Study Limitations

Every study has its limits, and that's okay. But sweeping them under the rug? Not ideal. Be upfront about the constraints of your research. Transparency builds trust and sets the stage for future research where needed.

As you prepare to present your research, I hope you keep these points in mind. Let's ensure your hard work leaves a lasting impression!

Additional Resources

How to make your User Research matter by Yasmin Amjid, October 2020

In this article, Amjid shares a list of techniques that might also aid in making our research work matter to our colleagues.

Gain buy-in without burning out by having healthy conversations, Service Design Show (Podcast), September 2023

I saved a quote from this episode with Heather Walker. She says ‘…when we go to school, we learn how to do the job; we don’t necessarily learn how to sell our ideas to others.’ This podcast is a masterclass in persuasion in the workplace.

In other news…

The UX Design Institute has published The State of UX Hiring Report for 2024. It is available for free download in exchange for your information.

If you missed it, here is a list of UXR conferences happening globally between now and June 2024.

Dovetail has published the live-stream of their InsightOut conference that held in April 2024. Watch it for free and thank me later 😉

Thank you for reading and see you in June (when hopefully British cold weather 🥶 would have gotten the memo that it is summer!)

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