USER EXPERIENCE SAN ANTONIO (UXSA)
Executive Summary
Leading the UXSA 2023 Research Project from August to December 2023, our cross-disciplinary team delved into comprehensive data analysis to enhance the User Experience San Antonio (UXSA) community.
The objective of this research was to thoroughly analyze raw data related to UXSA Membership in order to identify meaningful patterns, trends, and insights. The goal of this analysis was to contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and opportunities. It would potentially lead to new discoveries or actionable recommendations.
Leveraging diverse methodologies, including surveys, stakeholder interviews, and affinity diagramming, we successfully gained valuable insights into member engagement, organizational dynamics, and more.
Our collaborative efforts resulted in actionable recommendations to improve communication, volunteer engagement, and website optimization.
By prioritizing inclusivity and continuous improvement, we laid a strong foundation for UXSA's future initiatives, fostering growth and satisfaction among members.
Project Highlights
My role: UX Research Lead
HCD Methods: Surveys, Stakeholder Interviews, Data Compilation from Various Sources, Competitive Analysis, Affinity Diagramming, Geographic Mapping, Workshop Content Analysis, Volunteer Resources Analysis, Member Professional Growth Tracking, Data Accuracy Improvement, Website Optimization Analysis, Marketing and Branding Analysis, Sponsorship Opportunities Analysis, Creating Community Analysis, Participation and Attendance Analysis, Demographics Analysis
PHASE 1: PLANNING/ TEAM ONBOARDING
Establishing Team Norms & Best Practices
Team Norm Workshopping and Bonding
We started our journey as a team by prioritizing and establishing clear team norms and best practices to ensure effective collaboration and project success. Through open communication and consensus-building discussions, we defined expectations regarding meeting schedules, communication channels, and task allocation. This facilitated a cohesive team dynamic and promoted accountability among members. Additionally, we established guidelines for sharing progress updates, providing constructive feedback, and resolving conflicts amicably, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Establishing Tools & Expectations
Evaluating and Landing on Basecamp and other tools
In the initial stages of the project, we focused on identifying and implementing the necessary tools and defining individual expectations to streamline our workflow and maximize productivity. Leveraging platforms like Google Drive, Basecamp, and Slack, we centralized project resources, facilitated communication, and organized tasks effectively.
Moreover, we conducted a thorough assessment of team members' skills, preferences, and availability to ensure that roles and responsibilities were assigned appropriately. This proactive approach set the foundation for efficient collaboration and contributed to the project's overall success.
PHASE 2: DATA COLLECTION & PREPARATION
Stakeholder Interviews
Group research activities commenced with stakeholder interviews, offering valuable insights into the goals, challenges, and priorities of key individuals within the organization.
Through observed one-on-one discussions with UXSA stakeholders, including board members and organization leaders, we gained a comprehensive understanding of their perspectives and expectations.
These interviews informed our research approach and guided the development of research questions tailored to address stakeholders' concerns effectively.
Bob Hotard
Cherri Pitts
Paula Schuler
User/ Member Interviews
User/ Member Interviews
Conducting member and user interviews was instrumental in capturing firsthand experiences, preferences, and pain points related to the UXSA community and its offerings. By engaging with a diverse pool of participants, we gained nuanced insights into their motivations, needs, and expectations.
These qualitative interviews provided rich context for our research and helped uncover underlying trends and patterns that informed subsequent data collection and analysis.
User/ Member Surveys
User/ Member Surveys
To gather quantitative data and measure user sentiment at scale, we designed and administered a member/user survey. This survey served as a comprehensive tool to collect feedback on various aspects of the UXSA experience, including satisfaction levels, engagement preferences, and suggestions for improvement.
By leveraging survey responses, we obtained valuable quantitative insights that complemented the qualitative findings from stakeholder interviews and user interviews, enriching our understanding of user behavior and preferences.
Demographic Surveys
Demographic Surveys
In addition to gathering feedback on user experiences and preferences, we conducted a demographic survey to capture essential demographic information about UXSA members and users. This survey aimed to collect data on factors such as age, gender, location, education, and professional background, providing valuable insights into the composition of the UXSA community.
By analyzing demographic data, we identified potential demographic trends, patterns, and disparities that informed our recommendations for enhancing inclusivity and accessibility within the UXSA community.
PHASE 3: EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS
Competitive Analysis
A comprehensive competitive analysis was conducted to benchmark UXSA against other similar organizations and identify opportunities for improvement. By evaluating the digital presence, engagement strategies, and offerings of comparable UX meetup groups, we gained valuable insights into industry standards and emerging trends.
This analysis informed our approach to website design, content strategy, and community engagement, ensuring that UXSA remains competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of user experience and design.
Slack Participation
Slack Platform
Analyzing participation and engagement on Slack provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the UXSA community and the effectiveness of communication channels. By monitoring activity levels, message interactions, and user engagement metrics, we identified patterns, trends, and areas for improvement.
These insights guided our efforts to optimize Slack usage, streamline communication processes, and enhance member engagement, ultimately fostering a more connected and collaborative community within UXSA.
Website Analytics
UXSA Website Analytics
Utilizing website analytics tools such as Google Analytics, we gathered quantitative data on user behavior, traffic patterns, and engagement metrics on the UXSA website. By analyzing metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and session durations, we gained valuable insights into user preferences, content effectiveness, and navigation pathways.
These insights informed our website redesign strategy, helping us prioritize content, optimize user flows, and improve overall user experience on the website.
Social Media Review
Social Media Deep Dive
A thorough review of UXSA's social media presence on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn provided insights into audience demographics, content performance, and engagement levels. By analyzing metrics such as reach, engagement rate, and follower demographics, we gained valuable insights into audience preferences, content effectiveness, and opportunities for growth.
These insights informed our social media strategy, guiding content creation, posting schedules, and engagement tactics to maximize reach and impact within the UXSA community.
PHASE 4: VALIDATION & INTERPRETATION
Cross-validate findings to ensure robustness and generalizability of results.
Demographic Surveys
To ensure the reliability of our findings, we conducted cross-validation exercises, rigorously scrutinizing data from various sources within the UXSA community. This meticulous process ensured the robustness and generalizability of our results, enhancing the credibility of our research outcomes.
Interpret the statistical and visual analyses in the context of the research questions.
Demographic Surveys
Statistical and visual analyses were meticulously interpreted within the context of our research questions. By synthesizing quantitative data with qualitative insights, we gained a comprehensive understanding of user behaviors and preferences, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning for UXSA's future initiatives.
Compare the obtained insights with existing competing services/organizations to validate or challenge current knowledge.
Demographic Surveys
Through comparative analysis with existing competing services and organizations, we validated our insights while also identifying unique opportunities and challenges. This process enabled us to refine our recommendations and strategies, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and emerging trends in user experience design.
PHASE 5: REPORTING & VISUALIZATION
Summarize the results of the data analysis in a clear and coherent manner.
Demographic Surveys
The results of our data analysis were synthesized into a succinct and coherent summary, ensuring clarity and accessibility for stakeholders. By distilling complex findings into digestible insights, we facilitated informed decision-making and strategic planning processes within the UXSA organization.
Create visualizations and graphs that effectively communicate the key findings.
Demographic Surveys
Leveraging a variety of visualization techniques, we crafted compelling graphs and charts that effectively communicated the key findings of our research. These visualizations served as powerful tools for conveying complex data in a visually engaging manner, enabling stakeholders to grasp insights quickly and intuitively.
Provide detailed explanations of significant patterns, trends, relationships, and insights.
Demographic Surveys
Detailed explanations of significant patterns, trends, relationships, and insights were provided to illuminate the underlying dynamics of the data. By offering comprehensive explanations, we empowered stakeholders to derive actionable insights and make informed decisions based on a deep understanding of the research findings.
PHASE 6: BUILD THE REPORT + PRESENTATION
CRITICAL DATA REPORT
The culmination of our efforts involved meticulously crafting the Critical Data Report, a comprehensive document outlining our research methodologies, findings, and strategic recommendations.
This report served as a cornerstone in informing the UXSA Board of Directors about the insights gleaned from our study, providing actionable insights to drive future decision-making processes and initiatives within the organization.
Board Meeting Presentation
In parallel with the report, we meticulously designed a 15-minute presentation tailored to the UXSA Board of Directors. This succinct yet impactful presentation encapsulated key findings, strategic recommendations, and actionable insights, effectively communicating the essence of our research and facilitating informed discussions among board members.
Phase 8: Retro & Celebration
Retro Responses
Team UX Retrospective Post Project
Following the completion of the UXSA 2023 Research Project, a comprehensive retrospective session was conducted to gather feedback and reflections from all team members.
This retrospective allowed for an open dialogue on project successes, challenges faced, and areas for improvement. Through constructive discussion, the team highlighted the project's positive aspects, such as personal growth, effective collaboration, and the recognition of individual achievements.
Additionally, challenges were acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations and communication. The retrospective fostered a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring valuable lessons learned for future projects.
Client Satisfaction
Cherri Pitts, Former UXSA President
"This was the best project I could have ended my UXSA career with!"
- Client response after project conclusion
REFLECTION
Reflecting on the UXSA 2023 Research Project, it was a transformative journey marked by personal growth and collaborative success. Leading a diverse team, I navigated challenges with adaptability and fostered an environment of open communication. Through methodical research and strategic planning, we uncovered valuable insights that fueled actionable recommendations.
This experience honed my leadership and problem-solving skills while reaffirming the importance of empathy in user-centered design. I am proud of our achievements and eager to apply these learnings to future endeavors.
