Guidance on knowing/defining who your user is

[meagdoh]

Hi @Erioldoesdesign @smithkelseyj, thank you for this comprehensive and clear guide! I am sharing with my team today as a real-world example that user research in the open is possible.

I was struck at this line about knowing your users:

Before testing and synthesis, it’s worth clarifying who your user is. Are you focusing on ‘end users’ (e.g. users that don’t modify or contribute back)? Or are your users also contributors?

Have you all explored or written on how devs can clarify who the user is? I don't have a repo yet but just began a fellowship at the Software Sustainability Institute documenting how devs can measure user experience.

[Erioldoesdesign]

I am sharing with my team today as a real-world example that user research in the open is possible.

Amazing thank you so much 🙏 😄

Have you all explored or written on how devs can clarify who the user is?

Not yet but some of the Usable.tools work covered user persona exercises. In part 1 of the guide here: https://usable.tools/pdfs/USABLE_UX-Feedback-Collection-Guidebook.pdf

I do think there is a space for clarifying who the user is with associated exercises we could look to add to this site in time. If you have any suggestions, examples or things you like us to consider please do drop them in a PR or this issue?

We likely won't get to improve this set of resources until later in 2022 but we look forward to including you in how we build user based resources if you're keen 😄

[meagdoh]

Count me in! Last week I attended a community workshop with research software engineers and learned loads of new ways of working. Once I digest these perspectives, I’ll do as you suggest and keep this thread open or send a PR.

Thanks again! 😀