Introduction to User Research

Learn the basics of user research with Government Digital Service!

Embark on a journey to transform how you understand user research and how it works in government. This short course equips you with the essential skills and insights needed to excel in user research, paving the way for meaningful, ethical interactions and the creation of services that work for everyone.

On this three week course, you’ll explore the foundational aspects of user research and its importance within government

Understand the essentials of user research

You will learn all about users, user research, and user needs, and explore how user researchers work within multidisciplinary teams to create impactful, user-centred products and services.

Further your understanding of user research in government

In week two, you will learn about agile methods and their history in government. You will explore how user research works across the delivery life cycle, familiarise yourself with the government Service Standard and Design Principles, and learn about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in user-centred design.

Gain confidence in ethical research practices and data analysis

In week three, you’ll learn how to plan and conduct ethical research and the basics of data analysis. As you familiarise yourself with various research tools and methods, you’ll learn to generate actionable insights that drive development.

By completing this course, you’ll gain a robust foundation in user research, the first step towards making a meaningful impact on products and services in government.

This course is for beginners interested in user research, product or service team members looking to collaborate more effectively with researchers, and private-sector researchers wanting to explore user research within a government context.

This course is for beginners interested in user research, product or service team members looking to collaborate more effectively with researchers, and private-sector researchers wanting to explore user research within a government context.

• demonstrate a basic understanding of the key concepts of user research
• explain how user research differs from other forms of research and how it is used in government
• demonstrate a basic understanding of agile methods and how user research works across the phases of the delivery life cycle
• explain the importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical practices, as well as ways these may be implemented in user research
• explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods and the basics of data analysis