Low-Cost User Research And Usability Testing Techniques

While customer experience efforts held up fairly well in 2008's slumping economy, many customer experience professionals can expect tighter budgets during the coming year. Luckily, user research and testing don't need to end up on the cutting room floor. From surrogate user interviews to paper prototyping, several low-cost research and usability testing methods can help companies get the insight and feedback they need during the economic downturn. However, firms shouldn't adopt these bargain-basement tactics as replacements for more robust methods like ethnographic research and persona creation. Instead, customer experience professionals should consider using low-cost techniques to supplement larger efforts during lean times and focus future spending.