"Understand" often falls short of creating laser-focused and actionable research goals

The verb "understand" is commonly used as our compass in user research. Yet, let's face it. "Understand" often falls short of creating laser-focused and actionable research goals. More vivid verbs will likely unlock the true potential of our inquiries.

Precision Fuels Impact 🎯

Choosing the right verb isn't just semantics—it's the ignition for targeted, measurable research outcomes. The verbs we select craft the roadmap of actions to achieve our goals. They should ensure every step is purposeful and results-driven. These verbs aren't just words; they define the scope and essence of our research.

Verbs Translated into Action 🔍

"Identify": Uncover the presence or absence of key phenomena.
"Explore": Journey into uncharted territories, generating fresh insights.
"Test": Validate or debunk existing theories, hypotheses, or assumptions.
"Compare": Discern the nuances between variables, unveiling patterns.

Verbs as Pillars of Measurable Goals 🔑

Precision isn't an option—it's a necessity for research success. By selecting verbs that mirror the desired actions, researchers sculpt achievable goals. This deliberate choice sharpens focus, guarantees viability, and results in impactful conclusions.

Let's Get More Precise 🚀

Recently, I shared a trove of alternative verbs with our last Ask Like A Pro cohort. ('Identify' often takes center stage in research verbs.)

Our next Ask Like a Pro cohort, our 13th user research learn-by-doing workshops series, begins in September. Please join us on August 22nd to learn more.

Verbs on this list are poised to better define the scope and actual essence of a study:

Ascertain, Assess, Associate, Audit, Breakdown, Catalog, Characterize, Check, Clarify, Classify, Collate, Confirm, Consider, Correlate, Deduce, Define, Delineate, Designate, Detect, Determine Digest, Dig, Discern, Discover, Distinguish, Equate, Estimate, Evaluate, Examine, Explore, Figure out, Find, Gather, Grasp, Group, Infer, Investigate, Learn, Link, List, Pinpoint, Probe, Rank, Rate, Recognize, Relate, Review, Separate, Sense, Specify, Sort, Study, Test, Uncover, Weigh

Download and use this as inspiration in your own research goal planning.

Shape Outcomes with Purposeful Verbs 🌟

In user research, verbs shape destinies. They transform intentions into achievements, and actions into insights. Do your verbs genuinely reflect your research essence? Think about it.

If you appreciate this post, please join us at info session for Ask Like A Pro on Tuesday, August 22nd. The link to register is below.