and carry on researching
MARCH, 2020
author : uxalliance
tip 1: consider your options. delay vs. continue
- Delay research and wait for it to clear. Be aware that this could take months.
- Press ahead without user engagement and risk sub-optimal products long after COVID-19 recedes.
- Continue with research, but possibly with some tweaks and adjustments.
tip 2: use local ux research companies
tip 3: implement safety measures to protect and reassure participants and researchers

tip 4: adjust your research methods

tip 5: plan for time zone differences
tip 6: create workaround for technology restrictions
Video streaming and screen sharing are possible across platforms and are very effective tools. This is straightforward in many parts of the world, but limited bandwidth can make this tricky elsewhere.
We typically find three scenarios for remote viewing:
No technology restrictions for streaming — The best-case scenario is where you observe the session real-time and collaborate with the local team using online chat and boards. This is possible in many countries, especially in the major cities. It’s a great contingency in most instances.
Unstable bandwidth — Near-live viewing involves a lag of up to 5 to 10 minutes to the stream. The lag creates a buffer, which ensures smooth viewing if there are large fluctuations in bandwidth in a country.
Local researchers will know about this and can guide remote observers on the possibilities to collaborate with the researchers. The sessions are typically sequenced to ensure feedback is provided and observers remain engaged.
Insufficient bandwidth — Delayed video upload can be used when the bandwidth is too limited. In this situation, a session video is uploaded either just after a session or within a couple of hours. With sufficient briefing, piloting and periodic check-ins (e.g. half-daily), it is still possible to engage remote observers.
One thing is clear: we are in unprecedented times! And COVID-19 gives us some unique challenges when doing global research. However, as Rahm Emanuel already said: “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.“ So let’s adapt to this new situation and make the most of it. The good news is that we’ve never had better technology or global know-how to deal with these challenges!
MORE PUBLICATIONS
HOW FOOD DELIVERY APPS IN ASIA THRIVE DURING COVID-19
With the world going through unprecedented times, the role of food delivery apps has become more relevant than ever.
Read full article
COVID-19: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON RESEARCHING
When companies introduced a travel ban in the past week and social distancing became a norm, alarm bells...
Read full article
CONDUCTING REMOTE ONLINE FOCUS GROUPS IN TIMES OF COVID-19
COVID-19 is currently affecting the execution of regular focus groups, as we need to ensure social distancing.
Read full article
GLOBAL BENCHMARK: HOW DELIVERY APPS ARE ADAPTING THEIR SERVICE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
COVID-19 has been a uniquely global challenge and food delivery apps...
Read full article
REMOTE TESTING IN A COVID-19 WORLD
Nothing new, but different than before… As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to force people to work from home, companies are...
Read full article
GLOBAL RETAIL BENCHMARK: AROUND THE WORLD IN 36 APPS
36 apps, 18 countries, 6 continents: The UXalliance retail benchmark shows how mobile is changing...
Read full article
ONLINE DATING APPS: A GAME OF LIKES AND LOVE
The explosion in wireless connectivity combined with the declining costs of technology such as smartphones has...
Read full article
MYACCOUNTS: THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
User Intelligence and 13 other partners of the UXalliance conducted an independent and global study on best practices...
Read full article
SMART BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS: AN INTERNATIONAL USER EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
The UXalliance, a global network of 25 leading user experience...
Read full article
UXA INTERNATIONAL EBANKING BENCHMARK STUDY
Our combined resources around the world gives us easy access to banking sites around the globe. For this study...
Read full article
and carry on researching
MARCH, 2020
author : uxalliance
tip 1: consider your options. delay vs. continue
- Delay research and wait for it to clear. Be aware that this could take months.
- Press ahead without user engagement and risk sub-optimal products long after COVID-19 recedes.
- Continue with research, but possibly with some tweaks and adjustments.
tip 2: use local ux research companies
tip 3: implement safety measures to protect and reassure participants and researchers

tip 4: adjust your research methods

tip 5: plan for time zone differences
tip 6: create workaround for technology restrictions
Video streaming and screen sharing are possible across platforms and are very effective tools. This is straightforward in many parts of the world, but limited bandwidth can make this tricky elsewhere.
We typically find three scenarios for remote viewing:
No technology restrictions for streaming — The best-case scenario is where you observe the session real-time and collaborate with the local team using online chat and boards. This is possible in many countries, especially in the major cities. It’s a great contingency in most instances.
Unstable bandwidth — Near-live viewing involves a lag of up to 5 to 10 minutes to the stream. The lag creates a buffer, which ensures smooth viewing if there are large fluctuations in bandwidth in a country.
Local researchers will know about this and can guide remote observers on the possibilities to collaborate with the researchers. The sessions are typically sequenced to ensure feedback is provided and observers remain engaged.
Insufficient bandwidth — Delayed video upload can be used when the bandwidth is too limited. In this situation, a session video is uploaded either just after a session or within a couple of hours. With sufficient briefing, piloting and periodic check-ins (e.g. half-daily), it is still possible to engage remote observers.
One thing is clear: we are in unprecedented times! And COVID-19 gives us some unique challenges when doing global research. However, as Rahm Emanuel already said: “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.“ So let’s adapt to this new situation and make the most of it. The good news is that we’ve never had better technology or global know-how to deal with these challenges!
MORE PUBLICATIONS
HOW FOOD DELIVERY APPS IN ASIA THRIVE DURING COVID-19
With the world going through unprecedented times, the role of food delivery apps has become more relevant than ever.
Read full article
COVID-19: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON RESEARCHING
When companies introduced a travel ban in the past week and social distancing became a norm, alarm bells...
Read full article
CONDUCTING REMOTE ONLINE FOCUS GROUPS IN TIMES OF COVID-19
COVID-19 is currently affecting the execution of regular focus groups, as we need to ensure social distancing.
Read full article
GLOBAL BENCHMARK: HOW DELIVERY APPS ARE ADAPTING THEIR SERVICE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
COVID-19 has been a uniquely global challenge and food delivery apps...
Read full article
REMOTE TESTING IN A COVID-19 WORLD
Nothing new, but different than before… As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to force people to work from home, companies are...
Read full article
GLOBAL RETAIL BENCHMARK: AROUND THE WORLD IN 36 APPS
36 apps, 18 countries, 6 continents: The UXalliance retail benchmark shows how mobile is changing...
Read full article
ONLINE DATING APPS: A GAME OF LIKES AND LOVE
The explosion in wireless connectivity combined with the declining costs of technology such as smartphones has...
Read full article
MYACCOUNTS: THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
User Intelligence and 13 other partners of the UXalliance conducted an independent and global study on best practices...
Read full article
SMART BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS: AN INTERNATIONAL USER EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
The UXalliance, a global network of 25 leading user experience...
Read full article
UXA INTERNATIONAL EBANKING BENCHMARK STUDY
Our combined resources around the world gives us easy access to banking sites around the globe. For this study...
Read full article