How can you conduct unbiased user research for any operating system?

Start by clarifying what you want to learn from your users, what problems you want to solve, and what hypotheses you want to test. Formulate clear and objective research questions that guide your research process and align with your goals.

Based on your research questions, select the most suitable research methods and tools to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from your users. Choose methods and tools that are compatible with different operating systems and devices, and that allow you to capture the user’s behavior, attitude, and satisfaction.

Quantitative methods, like surveys and analytics, provide measurable data, while qualitative methods, such as interviews and usability tests, offer deeper insights. A balanced mix often yields the most comprehensive understanding. Utilize tools that align with your methods. For surveys, platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms are excellent. For usability testing, consider using tools like UserTesting or Lookback. The key is to choose tools that are accessible and comfortable for your target user group.

Find and invite a representative sample of users that reflects the diversity of your target audience. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, culture, education, and accessibility needs. Segment your users into meaningful groups based on their characteristics, preferences, and behaviors, and assign them to different research methods and tools accordingl

Your research will only be as good as your participants. Ensure that your participants accurately represent your target user base. This might include a mix of tech-savvy users and those less familiar with technology, depending on your operating system's target audience. Divide your users into meaningful groups based on characteristics relevant to your research, like age, tech proficiency, or occupation. This helps in understanding how different user groups interact with your system.

Avoiding mental biases in the user research process is one of the most crucial factors that can help you extract accurate information. Initially, you must discard all judgmental thoughts and your own assumptions. Not only are the questions you ask important, but also the way you ask them matters. Asking open-ended questions is vital, as it prevents steering the user's mindset. Keep in mind that the tone of your questioning can create a bias in the user's mind and mislead them. So, if you can express yourself with the right and unbiased tone, or write down your key questions and provide them to the participant.

Create a situation where users can share their experience naturally and in detail. You can do this by asking them to mentally recreate the context and environment in which they used your product or service, such as the time, place, mood, and goals. You can also encourage them to report everything they can remember, even if it seems trivial or irrelevant, without interrupting or correcting them. Ask them open and neutral questions that stimulate their memory and emotions. For example, you can ask them to recall the events in different sequences, such as backwards, forwards, or from different perspectives, or to recall the events using different sensory modalities, such as visual, auditory, or tactile.

Using the learnings from working with health industry, conducting testes with a control group, and a blind test is something that can help to clean the view and cut bias. Look for the product, or concept that you are testing in a cold way.

After collecting the data from your users, organize and interpret it with an open mind and without preconceptions. Look for patterns, insights, and opportunities to improve your product or service. Use visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and screenshots, to illustrate your findings and recommendations.

Based on your data analysis and synthesis, validate your design assumptions and hypotheses, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your product or service. Iterate your design based on the user feedback and data, and test it again with your users until you achieve the desired level of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.

The final stage of user research is obtaining validation for the gathered information on your products. In this stage, using the information you've received, you need to optimize your product and then conduct your tests again. This is a crucial stage because all the resources you've invested can demonstrate their results at this point. Design means testing and iteration, and if you overlook these two aspects, undoubtedly you won't make any progress in your products.