As UX researchers, we’re all about understanding users. But what happens when our own communication becomes a barrier to understanding? Unclear instructions, ambiguous language, and even seemingly minor oversights can significantly impact the quality of our research data and ultimately, the effectiveness of our designs.
A Case Study in Clarity:
Recently, I drafted a call for participants in a research study. It looked like this:
Are you:
- A new joiner who started within the last 6 months? ✅
- A line manager with a direct report who joined within the last 6 months? ✅
- Part of HR, Security, IT, or Facilities and worked on inductions in the past 6 months? ✅
If you answered YES to ANY of these, we want to hear from you!
While my final sentence aimed for clarity, my colleague Sebastian suggested adding “or” between each bullet point. This simple change, he argued, would further enhance clarity, especially for participants who might skim quickly.
The Power of “Or”:
Sebastian was right. Adding “or” between criteria offers several benefits:
- Reduced cognitive load: It eliminates the need for participants to mentally parse complex sentences, making it easier to understand the requirements.
- Improved scannability: The clear separation between options makes it easier for users to identify if they qualify quickly.
- Minimised ambiguity: It removes any doubt about whether someone meets one or more of the individual criteria.
Your UX Research Clarity Toolkit
While adding “or” is a powerful tool, it’s not the only way to achieve clarity in your UX research communication. Here are some additional tips:
- Plain language is your friend: Ditch the jargon, technical terms, and complex sentences. Aim for clear, concise, and direct communication that everyone can understand.
- Provide context: Briefly explain the purpose of your research and how it benefits participants. This helps them understand why their input matters.
- Pilot test, iterate, and improve: Conduct a small-scale test with representative participants to identify any areas of confusion or ambiguity in your communication. Use their feedback to iterate and refine your message.
Click here to read: A UX Researcher’s Guide to Multiple Cohort Participant Recruitment.
Takeaway
Clarity is not a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process. By actively seeking feedback, iterating on your communication, and employing these tips, you can ensure that your research participants understand your requirements, leading to richer data and more impactful UX design outcomes.