These slides are for the following session presented at the UX STRAT Online 2021 Conference:
"Crowdsourcing & Outsourcing Research During the Pandemic
Veena Sonwalkar
frog: Assoc. Design Director
3. India passed through a deadly
second wave this year…
Image source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01202-2/fulltext
4. However, we designers had to continue
to build products which will help users
in the crisis and make their lives better.
5. But connecting to
users remotely is
complicated,
esp. in a country like India
Image source: indiatoday.com
6. Recruiting users
itself is tough
Recruiting lower income or marginal groups who do not
have online or social media presence may be difficult
Image source: indiatoday.com
7. Users are skeptical of
outsiders entering
their homes or
workspaces during
the pandemic
Image source: indiatoday.com
8. Many of the users
may use internet
only on their phone
pcmag.in
11. Internet is still
very expensive
Internet is still a luxury for many. Many kids had to
drop out of school due to this. In this context talking
to users was all the more difficult.
12. They have ‘power cuts’
Most Indians have unreliable power supply with an
average of 3 hours per day without power.
So they may not be able to charge their phones or
access their computers if they do have one.
13. Here are few ways you can do research
during the pandemic…
14. 14
Here are three ways you can look at…
Entirely remote Crowdsource Outsource
17. ‘WhatsApp’ Research
• Helps understand user’s context/environment
• Helps get a diverse representation of users, esp. from
the lower income levels and smaller towns in a country
like India
19. WhatsApp help users
provide a tour of their
surroundings
WhatsApp can be used for video calls as well as to
understand the context where users live. It’s easier to
carry a phone and show their home than with a laptop
25. Warm up &
Obtain consent
Strike a conversation to make the
participants feel comfortable.
You need to collect consent
before starting the interview.
Observe the location
When you reach the location,
observe the home or shop.
Also observe the street and
surroundings.
Connect with
frog team
frog team would like to be able to
listen in to the interview so we
can take our own notes and to be
available if you have any
questions you can’t answer.
27. • You need to understand user’s context and a
representative needs to be at their home
• Language barrier
• Gaining trust with users esp. In the covid
environment
• Test physical prototypes
This method is
useful when…
33. Arrange to speak to
someone in their home
Obtain consent to talk to
them and record
Introduce yourself and
observe their location
Ask thoughtful questions
and listen closely
Discuss about their requirements
related to the product
Show them pictures of the
product and ask for feedback
Take photo/notes and share them
with the frog team
Plan the session well in advance and with
the local guide