What do we mean by “skills”?

As you progress in your career as a user researcher, you will develop a wide range of skills.

Research occurs in a number of different environments, but the many different types of research all share a core set of skills. Skills that are common to all types of research include:

• correctly using different research methods to collect quantitative and qualitative data
• data analysis
• written and verbal communication
• critical thinking

User researchers will use these skills frequently, but you also need to develop a set of interpersonal or ‘soft’ skills that involve influence, advocacy, leadership, and care.

In Week 4, we introduced you to the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework and learned about different roles in the team. In the next two steps, we will explore the skills outlined in the framework that are necessary for government user researchers.

Those of you who have taken our introductory course will already be familiar with the skills described in the framework. In this course, we will explore them in more detail, thinking about how they can be applied across the service life cycle and in collaboration with the team.

For those of you who are new to user research – or new to research in the specific context of government – do not worry if you are unfamiliar with these skills or if you feel like you do not ‘have’ them yet. As we learned last week, the Capability Framework is designed to help guide your professional development and help you to assess your current knowledge and skill levels.

One of the key things to learn as a researcher is how to apply your research skills internally, within the team. It is very easy to get swept up in user needs and the needs of service staff when ensuring you build empathy and understanding of the constraints these users face. However, this approach can often be forgotten when it comes to your teammates and stake holders.

You do not need to conduct full research ‘sessions’ with them, but do try to ensure you consider their needs and motivations to support your practice.

Task

Before we move on to examine government user research skills in more detail, think about your current role and the way you approach your work.

What are the key skills that you use on a daily basis?

Share your thoughts with your fellow learners in the comments below.