Research is the critical foundation for great UX design.  We can use a wide range of techniques in serials, parallel, or combination to suit the needs of and that are most appropriate for the project, including;

• Contextual Interviewing and Inquiry
• Passive Observation
• POEMS and AEIOU Analysis
• Card Sorting
• Cognitive Mapping
• CX Auditing
• Storytelling
• Ethnography
• User Workshops and Focus Groups
• Usability testing
• Stakeholder mapping, engagement, and walk-throughs
• Prototyping using techniques including image boarding, evaluative techniques, bodystorming and video prototyping.

These can be used with traditional market research techniques.

Vitally UX research is about taking findings through insights into opportunities…