What are the differences between the mistakes designers and product managers often make when conducting user research? While both may encounter similar challenges, their roles typically lead to different types of mistakes. Here's a summary based on my experience teaching user research, and leading and collaborating on numerous cross-functional research studies:

Focus:

• Designers often prioritize visual aspects, potentially basing decisions on personal or visual preferences rather than user needs.

• PMs often focus on product strategy and business objectives, which can lead to prioritizing features that may not align with user needs.

Expertise:

• Designers are skilled in creating user interfaces but may lack formal research training, leading to mistakes like asking leading questions.

• PMs may understand user needs and market trends but often overlook design nuances, impacting user experience.

Perspective:

• Designers understand user interactions within the product but may miss broader user needs.

• PMs have a broader perspective on business goals and market trends but may not grasp detailed design principles.

Decision-making:

• Designers might rely on intuition and aesthetics, risking misalignment with user needs.

• PMs often base decisions on metrics and strategy, which can sometimes overlook user experience.

Collaboration:

• Designers work closely with design teams but may struggle to communicate research findings to non-designers.

• PMs collaborate with cross-functional teams but may find it challenging to integrate design considerations.

Here's the thing. Successful user research is part art, science, and improv.

Collaboration between designers, product managers AND RESEARCHERS can help mitigate these mistakes, ensuring user research aligns with both user needs and business objectives.

Do these observations align with your experiences? I’d love to hear where they may be similar and different.

I’m Michele Ronsen, founder of Curiosity Tank. Contact me to learn about user research services, consumer and team training, consulting, and mentoring.