User Testing and Market Research

Tower Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a talented UX Researcher to drive user-centered design initiatives. In this role, you will conduct comprehensive UX research, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover user behaviors and needs. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, presenting insights that shape product development and enhance user experiences. This position offers an exciting opportunity to advocate for users, influence design strategies, and contribute to creating impactful digital solutions. If you are passionate about user experience and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in a Design Research role is essential.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct UX research and usability tests to inform design decisions.
• Collaborate with UX designers and product managers to prioritize research.

Skills

UX Research

Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Analysis

Communication Skills

Agile Processes

Education

Degree in Humanities

Commerce Degree

Postgraduate Qualification

Tools

Adobe Analytics

Job description

Role purpose :

To conduct UX and market research for Vodacom Financial & Digital Lifestyle Services’ Digital & Marketing team. The responsible individual will need to handle day-to-day UX research activities including recruitment, planning and coordinating usability tests, observing and running of tests, documentation of insights, reporting and presenting outcomes to stakeholders. The person will have to support the UX team by maintaining an up to date view of our users’ digital habits, behaviors and needs. The objective is to support the UX lead in achieving research goals.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership

• Conduct UX research for Vodacom Financial & Digital Lifestyle Services.
• Design studies that address both user behavior and attitudes.
• Conduct research using a wide variety of qualitative methods, subset of quantitative methods (i.e. surveys), and interpret analysis through the lens of UX, HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), and social science.
• Recruit participants and assist UX designers in running user testing studies.
• Generate insights that both fuel ideation and evaluate designs.
• Research the latest visual design, UI and interaction concepts, presentation layer technologies, digital best practices, online trends, and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Conduct best practice research to develop and improve UI and interaction design to solve end user problems effectively.
• Create sound recommendations after each stage of testing and ideation based on research and user observations.
• Research market, customers and potential customers to keep an up-to-date view of digital habits, behaviors and user needs.
• Generate profiles to be used in the creation of empathy maps and personas.
• Work on multiple projects at one time, using strong communication skills to manage time and expectations appropriately.
• Work cross-functionally with UX designers and product management.
• Support our UX design lead on studies and assist in achieving research goals.
• Work with product leaders to prioritize research questions based on analysis of current knowledge, project goals, identified risks, and project impact. Identify best method or mix of methods to address research questions, with consideration for timeline and resources with minimal guidance.
• Advise UX design team and product managers on research opportunities and best practices at all stages of an agile product development process.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships, effectively to make decisions based on a strong understanding of business, customer and design tradeoffs.
• Participate in team activities and team planning with the aim of improving team skills, awareness and quality of work.
• Present results from usability tests and other user research to project teams.
• Monitor statistics and analytics (such as Adobe Analytics) across sites with an aim of obtaining a better understanding of user behavior and improving user journeys.
• Actively work on improving user experience and engagement across all our sites and products.
• Evangelize good user experience, demonstrating measurable value to other team members and stakeholders, and encouraging a culture of UX.
• Foster a healthy tension between stakeholders, encouraging discussions that take into account business needs, user needs, and what is possible.

Competencies :

• Comprehensive knowledge in a variety of industry-centric qualitative research methods, such as semi-structured interviews, contextual inquiries, usability studies, diary ethnographic studies, unmoderated remote studies, paper prototyping, surveys, A/B testing and Card sorting.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct research in close collaboration with people in a variety of roles, including design, technology, and product management.
• Knowledge of quantitative, behavioral analysis, and statistical concepts.
• Experience with survey research (questionnaire design, sampling, analysis).
• Experience working in a collaborative team and working directly with developers for the implementation of designs.
• Excellent communication (presentation and interpersonal skills).
• Understanding of qualitative analysis and reporting methods suitable for the fast pace of industry; ability to quickly shift the methodology and scope of research projects to meet short deadlines while collecting the best possible data and delivering actionable results.
• Experience in creating user testing scripts and leading testing sessions.
• Experience creating UX test protocols, specifications and presentations.
• Good understanding of UX and UCD design principles.
• Experience working with Agile processes.

Must have technical / professional qualifications :

• 5 - 8 Years' experience within a Design Research role.

Preferred Qualification

• Degree in the humanities: Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Anthropology, etc.
• Commerce Degree is also welcome.
• Postgraduate qualification is an added bonus.

Preferred Certifications

• Usability Analyst Certification.

Type of Exposure

• In-depth understanding of human behavior.
• Ethnography.
• Human Computer Interactions.
• Behavioral studies.
• Translating behavior to create predictive models.
• Analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Communicating research results to stakeholders.
• Finding better/new ways to do things/improve/redesign.

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• UX design.
• Research + testing.
• Market awareness.
• Concept presentation.
• Communication and negotiation.
• Report writing.

Behavioural Competencies

• Relationship Building.
• Decision Making.
• Critical Appraisal.
• Analytical Thinking.
• Persuading & Influence.
• Active Listening.
• Perseverance, good work ethic and initiative.

Key performance indicators [max 3] :

• Facilitate user experience research into the design of products and services and design interfaces to effectively communicate the brand and enrich the customers experience.
• Advocate for the end-user throughout the development process and work closely with other members of the Design Team to craft a world-class user experience.
• Conduct research to develop and improve features of products and to balance user needs, technical constraints, and business objectives to solve user problems effectively.