Think Like a UX Researcher by David Travis Summary

Think Like a UX Researcher by David Travis and Philip Hodgson provides actionable strategies for planning, conducting, and applying UX research to influence product design and business outcomes. It emphasizes observational techniques, stakeholder collaboration, and overcoming biases in data analysis. The Second Edition adds insights on remote research limitations, handling difficult participants, and aligning research with organizational goals.

This book is essential for UX researchers, designers, product managers, and business analysts seeking to deepen their research skills. It also benefits marketers and Scrum Masters aiming to integrate user-centered strategies into workflows. The authors’ blend of academic rigor and practical frameworks suits both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Yes, the book is highly regarded for its balance of theory and real-world applications. Readers gain tools to refine research questions, persuade stakeholders, and avoid common pitfalls like over-reliance on remote methods. Updated essays on epistemological bias and survey design make the Second Edition particularly relevant for 2025’s UX challenges.

Travis and Hodgson caution against using remote methods exclusively, arguing in-person observation reveals richer contextual insights. They provide frameworks to decide when remote tools are appropriate and how to mitigate their limitations, such as reduced empathy and situational awareness.

• Stakeholder Interview Techniques: Identify research priorities by aligning with business goals.
• Cognitive Interview Method: Improve survey questions by simulating real-user thought processes.
• Argument Against Representative Sampling: Focus on frequent user behaviors rather than demographic diversity.

The Second Edition offers strategies like reframing questions, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging neutral prompts to redirect uncooperative participants. These tactics ensure data quality while maintaining ethical standards.

The authors advocate using the cognitive interview technique to uncover ambiguities in survey questions. By testing drafts with simulated user scenarios, researchers can reduce bias and improve response accuracy.

Travis and Hodgson explain how researchers’ unconscious beliefs skew data interpretation. They provide checklists to identify personal biases and methods to present findings objectively, enhancing credibility with stakeholders.

Unlike tactical guides (e.g., Don’t Make Me Think), this book focuses on strategic thinking, stakeholder influence, and career growth. It complements method-centric resources by addressing how to drive organizational change through research.

With AI automating basic research tasks, the book’s emphasis on critical thinking, human observation, and persuasive communication remains vital. Updated content on hybrid research models aligns with post-pandemic workplace trends.

Some note the academic tone may overwhelm casual readers. However, practical examples and case studies balance this, making complex concepts accessible to practitioners at all levels.

The book provides blueprint to transition from tactical research execution to strategic leadership. Chapters on stakeholder management and business alignment help researchers demonstrate ROI, positioning them as essential decision-making partners.