Secondary Research
There is only so much time to conduct your own research, so learn from others who have come before you. Discover and consume as much existing knowledge as you can. You will identify gaps and construct the foundation needed to ask the right questions.
Serving suggestion
- 1-3 researchers
- Light or deep research, right-sized for the project
Pairs well with
- Ethnographic Research
Recipes
Bring the team together to kick off a project
Present insights & opportunities from research
Share knowledge within the team
Understand business goals, drivers, & competition
Understand user behaviors, attitudes & needs
Look In
How to do it:
- Identify open questions related to your problem.
- Find existing resources from the client and third parties that can help answer your questions.
- Digest research to determine how well it fits your needs.
- Build the foundation you need to ask the right questions.
- Identify knowledge gaps that you can fill.
Additional resources
Desk Research: The what, Why, and How – UserFocus
The “where” (at your desk) and the “when” (at the beginning of your project) are easy questions to answer. But what is it, why do you need to to do it, and how should you go about doing desk research to make sure it adds value to your project?
4 Places to Find UX Data When User Research Isn’t an Option – Element Three
Learn about four areas you can focus on to better understand users’ needs and the design problems you will face.
The Importance of Secondary Market Research – Marketing 91
Secondary research plays a pivotal role in paving the way to help support your primary research.