This course provides an in-depth understanding of user research and analysis techniques essential for designing user-centered products and services. Students will learn various user research methods with emphasis placed on real-world applications and developing actionable insights for iterative product design.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to
Additional Information
AI* - This course will demonstrate how user research work can benefit from the use of AI tools such as automated transcript analysis, LLM generated study guide drafts, and conducting secondary research. We'll discuss how AI can be of use to a researcher working in product design today, and give students a chance to explore its benefits via hands-on exercises.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 02-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 02-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 02-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-16-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
No meeting on February 16, 2026. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Required Tools & Materials: None
Recommended Tools & Materials:
Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner's Guide to User Research, 2nd Edition, Elizabeth Goodman & Mike Kuniavsky, Morgan Kaufmann, 2012, ISBN: 978-0123848697.
There is a newer 3rd edition that may be available by the start of the semester. Past editions have been a great overview of UXR methods and concepts.
The Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman, Basic Books, 2013, ISBN: 978-0465050659.
First published in 1988, any version is fine, but updated version will have more current examples. This is considered a class introduction to user-centered design methods.
