Thoughts on User Research Methodology

In my perspective, in the context of user research, both qualitative and quantitative research methods hold equal significance, each possessing distinct pros and cons, and finding suitability in specific scenarios. Qualitative research holds significant advantages in comprehending user behavior, attitudes, and motivations. It effectively addresses inquiries related to the "why" behind user actions, offering valuable insights. However, its findings may be subjective and challenging to extrapolate to a broader demographic. Conversely, quantitative research yields objective results that can be generalized to a larger population through statistical analysis, enhancing efficiency. Nevertheless, this method may lack insight into the contextual details and reasons underlying users' choices. Moreover, Quantitative research typically involves setting clear, specific goals, resulting in targeted outcomes. In contrast, qualitative research may unveil surprises during its exploratory process, providing valuable reference points. 

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Given that both qualitative and quantitative research methods possess distinct advantages and limitations, I believe that optimal research outcomes can be achieved by leveraging the complementarity of both approaches when sufficient time, energy, and budget permit. However, in situations where constraints necessitate a singular method, Christian Rohrer's three-dimensional framework can be employed for informed decision-making. For instance, when the objective is to understand individuals' attitudes toward a design rather than their behaviors, and the emphasis is on uncovering the reasons behind these attitudes rather than quantifying their prevalence, qualitative interviews emerge as the preferred choice in research.