Analysis of UX Cultural Probe: study of postgraduate taught students, University of Birmingham

Abstract

This study was based on the production and analysis of a cultural probe research project that was completed by 10 Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students. This cultural probe, structured around a diary format, contained 10 tasks for participants to complete, each lasting under 30 minutes and to be completed over 10 days. The tasks were made as open as possible so that the data is user guided rather than entering the research project with any preconceptions or clear aims. This differs from common surveys that often have narrow questions. We can learn a huge amount about how our users experience (and feel about) services, spaces and products by adopting rich qualitative and quantitative research methods that come under the umbrella term ‘UX’ (User eXperience). Crucially UX research explores user behaviours and needs, not just what users say they want. UX research is becoming more important as higher education is being forced to adapt to the increased importance of students as high paying ‘customers’ of the university.