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Baseline
What is Baseline in User Research?
In user research, a baseline is the initial set of data or measurements collected before any changes or interventions are made. It serves as a reference point to compare future results and understand the impact of design changes or improvements.
Synonyms: starting point, initial data, reference point, baseline measurement
Why Baseline is Important
A baseline provides a clear starting point that helps researchers and designers measure progress and effectiveness. Without a baseline, it is difficult to know if changes have improved the user experience or not.
How Baseline is Used in User Research
Researchers collect baseline data through methods like surveys, usability tests, or analytics before implementing new features or design updates. This data is then compared with post-change data to evaluate success.
Examples of Baseline in User Research
- Measuring task completion time before redesigning a website.
- Recording user satisfaction scores before launching a new app feature.
- Tracking error rates in a software interface prior to updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between baseline and benchmark? A baseline is the initial data collected for comparison, while a benchmark is a standard or point of reference often based on industry or competitor data.
- Can baseline data change over time? Yes, baseline data can be updated if significant changes occur or if new research objectives arise.
- Why is baseline data critical for usability testing? It helps identify if usability improvements are effective by providing a point of comparison before changes.
