The UX Research Process

Introduction: Why a UX Research Playbook is Crucial for Digital Success
In today’s fast-paced world of digital product development, designing experiences that resonate with users is more important than ever. At Agifly, we believe in the power of understanding the people behind the screens. That’s where user experience (UX) research comes in. It’s not just about aesthetics or functionality; it’s about solving real problems for real users. In this post, we’ll guide you through the core principles of our UX research playbook—our strategic approach that ensures every product we build delivers lasting value, not just features.

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5 Essential Rules of UX Research

Start with Empathy

At the heart of every successful digital experience is empathy. UX research begins with understanding your users on a deeper level—their needs, pain points, and motivations. By putting ourselves in their shoes, we design not just for users, but with them in mind, ensuring that every interaction is intuitive and purposeful.

Use Data to Inform Decisions

Decisions should be grounded in data, not assumptions. From interviews and surveys to analytics, every piece of data informs our design choices. Combining qualitative insights with quantitative data leads to products that are not only useful but also meaningful.

Iterate, Don’t Assume

The best products are born from iteration. We embrace the process of testing, learning, and refining. Through continuous feedback loops—whether through prototypes, A/B testing, or usability studies—each iteration brings us closer to the ideal user experience.

Involve Stakeholders Early and Often

UX research isn’t just about users; it’s about aligning user needs with business goals. Involving stakeholders from the start ensures that all perspectives are considered, creating a seamless connection between business objectives and user needs.

Think Long-Term

Great UX is never a one-time effort. We design for sustainability by considering scalability and planning for future updates. By anticipating growth and changes, we ensure that the product remains relevant and user-centric for years to come.

Example: Enhancing Intermodal Travel for NMBS/SNCB

Facilitating Seamless Journeys for Leisure Travellers

When NMBS/SNCB, Belgium’s national railway company, sought to improve the travel experience for their customers, they approached Agifly and Namahn for a solution. The goal was to enhance the accessibility and quality of information provided during journeys, specifically focusing on making transitions between different modes of transport—trains, buses, trams, and bicycles—more seamless and stress-free.

Our Collaborative Journey

Embodying our principle of starting with empathy, we chose not to rush into development. Instead, we took a step back to thoroughly analyse the customer journey.

Service Design & Design Sprint

We initiated intensive research and brainstorming sessions to identify key user needs and pain points. The design sprint focused on understanding the traveller’s journey and developing innovative solutions to enhance it.

First Prototype & Testing

Leveraging insights from the design sprint, we developed several prototypes, including redesigned station information pages and new features for multimodal travel. User testing was crucial to ensure the solutions were both intuitive and effective.

Data Analysis

Our design team analysed Hotjar data from NMBS/SNCB’s UX research department. We adapted the prototypes based on these insights, incorporating advanced search capabilities and improvements to the information architecture.

Prototype Improvement & Further Testing

We collected additional user feedback to refine and optimise the platform. Improvements were made to enhance usability, reduce information overload, and better align the digital experience with the needs of NMBS/SNCB’s customers.

Why This Matters

By involving stakeholders early and continuously incorporating user feedback, we ensured that the solutions not only met immediate requirements but also delivered a seamless and intuitive experience for all travellers. Our collaborative approach means the designs are shared across departments, increasing the likelihood that these enhancements will be implemented in the NMBS/SNCB app. This exemplifies our commitment to thinking long-term and designing solutions that stand th.

Outcome of the Research and Design Sprint

Station Info Page Enhancement

We simplified complex information structures through UI design. Information was reorganised, new relevant content was created, and graphic components were updated to make the interface more intuitive. An advanced search feature assists users in navigating and understanding the page.

Interactive Station Map Creation

An interactive map displaying the station layout was developed, highlighting platforms, corridors, shops, and restaurants. Key points of interest, such as ticket counters, restrooms, parking, elevators, and luggage storage, are clearly marked. Users can explore the station with precise zoom and navigation features and access detailed information on schedules, services, and accessibility.

Multimodality Page Creation

This page helps users plan travel from the station, displaying bus, tram, and metro lines with numbers, directions, and stops. Real-time schedules are available for connections, and links to transport operators provide additional details. A multimodal route search function generates comprehensive travel plans, including line numbers, directions, stop names, real-time schedules, travel time, and distance.

Conclusion: The Process for Digital Excellence

UX research is the cornerstone of our work at Agifly. By adhering to these core principles, we ensure that every website or web app we develop delivers real value to users and businesses alike. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about creating experiences that users love. As we continue to grow, these principles will guide our approach to every project, big or small.

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