If you are trying to develop a new product, you have likely been engaged in significant user experience, or UX, research. If you are scratching your head, you need to stop development right now and read up on the value of UX understanding before continuing. On the other hand, for those who are looking for more UX resources, this is the article for you.
When conducting UX research, efficient tools can make a world of difference. Although many programs come with a sizable price tag that is in many cases justified, there are also valuable tools that are completely free, or at least have completely-free versions. Check out these seven free UX research tools.
1. Google Analytics
For those looking for one of the most powerful free tools out there, Google Analytics is definitely worthy of your consideration. By providing users with the ability to see traffic insights about their website usage, this tool is extremely valuable. Offering information on acquisitions, conversions and real-time use, can highlight key points about audience behavior.
2. Survey Monkey
Researchers who are employing a survey method of research can take advantage of the free and advanced tools that Survey Monkey offers. With the free version, you can send up to 100 surveys a month.
3. Google Forms
When it comes to free UX research tools, Google does not just offer one resource. Undoubtedly, Google Forms is another useful tool that UX researchers can benefit from whenever they need to send or collaborate on documents or forms.
4. Calendly
If you need to keep up with your schedule better for interviews, meetings or other important research-related appointments, then Calendly is the perfect solution that is available with a free version that can save you money. With Calendly, you can book meetings, share updates and automatically create events.
5. Google Hangouts
For a third Google solution that is free and helpful to researchers, Google Hangouts is particularly useful for conducting the actual interviews themselves. This online meeting platform also works as an efficient way to follow up on interviews with shorter online meetings.
6. Skype
Another solid option for interviews is good ol’ Skype. Whether you are the person giving the interview or the person answering the questions, you should always be mindful of how to rock an interview via Skype before you even try to start. For example, blurring your background is one way to instantly increase the professionalism of your presentation.
7. Zoom
A more recent tool that is now available for interviews is Zoom. Like Skype, this program is relatively simple to use and there is a fully-functional free version. Some people prefer Zoom because it has some different features from Skype, but both tools offer their own benefits.
When you are conducting your UX research, free tools like these will make the process much easier and affordable. Sometimes, it makes sense to spend money, to calculate numbers manually or to keep paper records of files, but often it does not. These tools can help you better prioritize your time and resources.
