The Role of Research Methods in Describing User Experiences to Inform Future Design

Obtaining relevant information about usage is crucial for designing environments that accommodate diverse user preferences and needs. Despite well-documented research methods for data collection and analysis, their role in guiding design is often overlooked. This study investigates the role of different research methods in describing and processing user experiences to inform future designs. Researchers at the Cluster for Spatial Inclusion at The Royal Danish Academy collaborated to share examples of research methods used to collect and process descriptions of users’ interactions with built environments. Reflections on these methods and outcomes form the basis of a comparative study highlighting methodological characteristics related to data collection, data analysis, and knowledge application. The study shows that the role of methods in gathering descriptive information about user experience
largely depends on the conceptualisation of users and their role in the production and
application of knowledge. By breaking down the processes into smaller steps, the study highlights the similarities and differences in the methods applied. Besides methodological variations and their implications, the paper presents a collective discussion of gaps and biases identified in the Cluster’s workflows. The paper concludes by stating that increased awareness of the implications of methodological choices in research design development could potentially enhance the validity of knowledge applied to accommodate the preferences, needs, and desires of users.