Glossaries
True Intent Study
What is a True Intent Study?
A True Intent Study is a user research method that aims to understand the genuine motivations, goals, and behaviors of users when they interact with a product or website in their natural environment, without the influence of artificial test scenarios.
Synonyms: Natural Behavior Study, Real-World User Research, Authentic User Intent Analysis, In-Context User Study
Why True Intent Studies are Important
True Intent Studies provide valuable insights into user behavior and motivation in real-world contexts. By observing users in their natural environment, researchers can gather authentic data about how people actually use a product or website, uncovering pain points and opportunities that may not be apparent in controlled usability tests.
How True Intent Studies are Conducted
- Recruitment: Participants are recruited from actual users of the product or website.
- Natural interaction: Users are asked to complete their intended tasks without specific instructions.
- Data collection: User actions, motivations, and feedback are collected through various methods such as surveys, screen recordings, and follow-up interviews.
- Analysis: Researchers analyze the data to identify patterns, pain points, and areas for improvement.
Benefits of True Intent Studies
- Authentic insights: Capture real user behavior and motivations.
- Contextual understanding: Observe how users interact with the product in their own environment.
- Uncover unexpected issues: Identify problems that may not appear in controlled usability tests.
- Prioritize improvements: Focus on addressing the most critical user needs and pain points.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is a True Intent Study different from traditional usability testing? True Intent Studies focus on observing users' natural behavior and goals, while traditional usability testing often involves predefined tasks in a controlled environment.
- What tools are commonly used for True Intent Studies? Tools like Hotjar, FullStory, or UserZoom can be used to capture user interactions, while survey tools and video conferencing software can help gather additional feedback.
- How many participants are needed for a True Intent Study? The number can vary, but typically 50-200 participants are recruited to ensure a diverse range of user intents and behaviors are captured.
- Can True Intent Studies be conducted remotely? Yes, True Intent Studies are often conducted remotely, allowing researchers to observe users in their natural environments across different locations.