In this episode of Can I Have It in Blue, Subvisual's Alvaro Bezerra and Maria Grilo dive into the world of user research, sharing insights and lessons from their experiences. They discuss:

• The importance of user research: Breaking assumptions, reducing bias, and creating better products.
• Key research methods: Generative interviews, user testing, and surveys, along with the challenges of each.
• Real-world examples:
  • Uncovering incorrect assumptions about user workflows.
  • Dealing with biases in Web3 projects where tokenomics overshadow product needs.
• Tips and advice:
  • For designers: Overcoming nerves and handling interviews confidently.
  • For PMs: Collaborating with designers to prioritize user needs.
• Practical challenges: Selecting the right participants, avoiding bias in user testing, and adapting research methods to different contexts.

Alvaro and Maria also share personal anecdotes about research in Web3, the importance of tailoring interviews, and how even small adjustments can uncover valuable insights. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of preparation and continuous learning to refine research practices.

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue,' Joana Gomes and João Ferreira from Subvisual delve into the intricacies of planning and presenting user research. They discuss their approaches to creating research plans and conducting interviews without over-relying on scripts, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability. João highlights his intuitive method of using structured yet flexible conversation guides, while Joana shares a more systematic approach informed by specific articles and frameworks. Both underscore the value of conducting interviews, the challenges of avoiding bias, and the necessity of presenting research findings effectively. They also touch on the unique difficulties of conducting research in the Web3 space and the importance of engaging with community feedback while being wary of inherent biases. Concluding with practical advice for newcomers, Joana and João stress the importance of practice and genuine curiosity in making user research insightful and impactful.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Starting the User Research Discussion

00:40 Planning User Research

01:43 Executing User Research Interviews

05:38 Structuring the Research Process

09:01 Adapting and Personalizing Interviews

14:29 Challenges in User Research

21:05 Recruiting Participants for Research

22:24 Filtering and Evaluating Profiles

22:51 Insights from User Interviews

23:23 Case Study: Renting Project in Boston

24:14 Challenges in Web3 Projects

25:59 Importance of Community in Web3

28:57 Presenting Research Findings

33:36 Tips for Effective User Research

38:46 The Value of Interviews in Early-Stage Projects

42:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

Links:

• People Nerds article: Not Sure Which User Research Methodology To Use? Start Here
• Books:
  • Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug
  • Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug

In this episode of "Can I Have It in Blue?", Joana Gomes, João Ferreira, and Filipa Ribeiro explore the essential role of user research in shaping effective product design. The conversation begins with personal reflections on how user research became integral to their design processes, overcoming initial challenges and evolving their techniques. They underscore the importance of initiating user testing early, even with basic prototypes, to gather valuable insights. The hosts also discuss the collaborative nature of design, the need for openness to feedback, and the value of iterative testing. They share real-world experiences and advice for beginners, stressing that curiosity and honest feedback are key to successful user research.

Timestamped Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:44 - João's Journey into User Research
• 03:27 - Practical User Research Techniques
• 07:26 - Advice for Beginners in User Research
• 10:16 - The Importance of Early Testing
• 15:54 - Team Collaboration and Feedback
• 16:58 - Real-World User Research Experiences
• 21:41 - The Value of Honest User Feedback
• 27:04 - Conclusion and Future Topics

In this episode of 'Can I Have it in Blue?', join Álvaro Bezerra, João Ferreira, and Mar as they dive deep into the gaming industry through the lens of UX design.
Mar, new product designer at Subvisual, shares her tumultuous journey from fine arts to becoming a UX designer in the gaming world. Discover the unique challenges of designing for kids, the importance of behaviour and patterns in user experience, and the fascinating intricacies of making games engaging and scary. This in-depth discussion blends creativity, technology, and user-centred design!

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 Mar's Journey into the Gaming Industry
02:58 Challenges and Adaptations in UX Design
07:17 Working with Roblox and Its Unique Challenges
10:17 User Behavior and Game Design
23:33 The Role of Rewards in Gaming
35:20 Insights from User Testing with Kids
44:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue,' Filipa is joined by Joana and Joao to discuss Joao’s new role as CPO at Subvisual. 

They delve into the responsibilities and challenges of his new leadership position, including process implementation, team mentorship, and maintaining personal growth. The discussion extends to imposter syndrome, with each sharing their experiences and strategies for overcoming self-doubt, such as 'faking it till you make it' and embracing discomfort. The conversation also touches on design principles, the distinction between design and art, and the importance of aligning design with user experience.

00:00 Introduction and New Roles 
00:41 Understanding the CPO Role 
02:49 Transitioning to Leadership 
04:40 Designing Beyond the Screen 
11:23 Imposter Syndrome in Design 
15:20 Learning and Growing in Design 
31:45 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 
31:58 The New Designer by Manuel Lima 
32:22 Embrace Discomfort 
32:34 Sharing Work and Getting Feedback 
33:20 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome 
38:29 Fake It Till You Make It 
47:00 Design as a Learnable Skill 
49:48 Art vs. Design Debate 
57:41 Advice for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 
59:35 Conclusion and Future Topics

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue? Álvaro Bezerra, Product Manager at Subvisual, and Joana Gomes, Designer at Subvisual, delve into the importance of mentoring and teaching in design and product management. 

They discuss Subvisual's academy programs for kickstarting careers, the personal and cultural motivations behind mentoring, and the mutual benefits it brings. Álvaro and Joana share their experiences as career changers and emphasize the value of practical learning, continual improvement, and adapting theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. They also touch on the importance of staying current with technological trends and how mentoring contributes to their own professional growth.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 
00:23 The Importance of Mentoring 
00:56 Personal Experiences in Mentoring 
02:45 Challenges and Strategies in Mentoring 
04:59 The Role of Product Management 
08:16 Practical Tips for Effective Mentoring 
17:55 Learning Through Teaching 
21:35 Keeping Up with Design Trends 
30:39 Conclusion 

We discussed the challenges of maintaining processes in Web3, especially with early-stage and inexperienced teams. 
How a clear product vision influences success and the crucial roles of designers and product managers.
Practical tips for ensuring clarity, consistency, and collaboration in your team. 

In this episode, we invite Anna Trofimenko, a product manager at Finiam, to talk about changing careers in her 30s. Something that Joana Gomes also experienced a couple of years ago. 

Social media:

Anna Trofimenko

Joana Gomes

João Ferreira

Filipa Ribeiro

www.subvisual.com

In this episode, we invite Francisco Baila, a designer and now "a facilitator or someone that improves the environment for others to shine" to talk about his path and what led him to found Onda Studio, a Web3 design studio.

Social media:

Francisco Baila

Joana Gomes

João Ferreira

Filipa Ribeiro

www.ondastudio.co

www.subvisual.com

In this episode, we invite Álvaro Bezerra and Margarida Mendes da Maia, both product managers at Subvisual, to talk about the collaboration between product managers and designers.

Social media:

Álvaro Bezerra

Margarida Mendes da Maia

Joana Gomes

João Ferreira

Filipa Ribeiro

www.subvisual.com