Which UX Research method or technique should I take? Assisting software startup professionals in making their choices

Abstract

User Experience (UX) is a field that aids in comprehending the impact of system usage on the user during the product development process. Software startups are entities that deal with cutting-edge products and experience significant growth, even in the face of unpredictability and potential market volatility. UX methods and techniques serve as tools for software start-up professionals to improve their products, establish connections with their customers, and maintain superior software quality. The goal of this paper is to present a thematic map filled with recommendations for the use of approaches, methods, techniques, and tools designed to assist software startup professionals in conducting research with users. We begin by conducting a gray literature review (GLR) on expert websites and blogs to uncover the approaches, methods, techniques, and tools most frequently referenced by industry professionals and their respective objectives. A thematic map was suggested, based on the thematic examination of the GLR findings. We created a web-based catalog named CatUX to facilitate the map’s assessment. We evaluated the catalog’s utilization by professionals from two angles: the use of the catalog and the catalog’s acceptance. The findings indicated that the catalog helped the participants select the most suitable approach, method, technique, and tool for each given scenario.