DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS
Digging deeper into research in action.
Before getting into the methods in my toolkit, Here are some selected research writeups to showcase how I apply research methods to real-world contexts, bridging strategy, execution, and impact.
Choosing the right method is as important as the insights it uncovers.
Research and design aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each project demands a tailored approach—whether it’s interviewing users to uncover deep motivations, A/B testing a product change, or clustering qualitative data for patterns.
I’ve documented some of the methods I use, but research is rarely this objective. I often adapt, mix, and even invent new methods to fit the needs of each project, ensuring the process is as dynamic as the insights it uncovers.
Qualitative
Contextual Inquiry
Content Analysis
Speculative Design
Co-Design Workshops
Heuristic Evaluation
Cultural Probes
Service Design
Journey Mapping
Diary Studies
Interviews
Quantitative
Surveys
A/B Testing
Guerrilla Testing
Clustering Qualitative Data
Tree Sorting
Qualitative Methods
Observations
Field notes from an observation session
I define it as
The systematic process of watching users interact with a system, product, or environment to uncover behaviors, challenges, and pain points. Observations can be participant (involved) or non-participant (fly-on-the-wall).
I use it when
I need unbiased, real-world insights on how users naturally interact with a system, especially when self-reported data may be unreliable and might not reflect the entire picture.
Use case
Observed how pairs of shoppers - one in store and one elsewhere, coordinated grocery trips remotely via calls and video chats. We documented how they compared products, sought confirmation, and faced challenges like multitasking, disrupted shopping flow, and repeated explanations of product details. This is an example of involved or participant observation.
Observations
Field notes from an observation session
I define it as
The systematic process of watching users interact with a system, product, or environment to uncover behaviors, challenges, and pain points. Observations can be participant (involved) or non-participant (fly-on-the-wall).
I use it when
I need unbiased, real-world insights on how users naturally interact with a system, especially when self-reported data may be unreliable and might not reflect the entire picture.
Use case
Observed how pairs of shoppers - one in store and one elsewhere, coordinated grocery trips remotely via calls and video chats. We documented how they compared products, sought confirmation, and faced challenges like multitasking, disrupted shopping flow, and repeated explanations of product details. This is an example of involved or participant observation.
Observations
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Contextual Inquiry
A researcher shadowing a participant while taking notes.
I define it as
A combination of the semi-structured interview and observation methods where researchers observe users in their natural work environment while asking questions about their tasks and workflows. This method follows a master-apprentice model where the researcher learns from the user.
I use it when
I need to understand workflows, decision-making processes, challenges and opportunities within a user’s real-world context.
Use case
Conducted contextual inquiry with visually impaired individual to understand their navigation challenges with existing and futuristic transportation systems. We observed their journeys, existing interactions with technology, gathered insights and pain points to better inform our research plan.
Contextual Inquiry
A researcher shadowing a participant while taking notes.
I define it as
A combination of the semi-structured interview and observation methods where researchers observe users in their natural work environment while asking questions about their tasks and workflows. This method follows a master-apprentice model where the researcher learns from the user.
I use it when
I need to understand workflows, decision-making processes, challenges and opportunities within a user’s real-world context.
Use case
Conducted contextual inquiry with visually impaired individual to understand their navigation challenges with existing and futuristic transportation systems. We observed their journeys, existing interactions with technology, gathered insights and pain points to better inform our research plan.
Contextual Inquiry
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Content Analysis
Narrative Arcs of most popular TED Talks identified from content analysis
I define it as
A systematic method for categorizing and interpreting text, images, or media to identify patterns, themes, and trends. It is a mixed method including both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
I use it when
I need to analyze the structure, meaning, and intent of digital data - such as social media, product reviews, or other qualitative sources, to uncover implicit biases, engagement strategies, behavioral patterns, themes, and trends.
Use case
Conducted a video content analysis of the most popular TED Talks to examine engagement strategies. Mapped the prologue narrative arcs, revealing distinct patterns in how speakers blend persuasion, entertainment, and audience connection to maximize impact.
Content Analysis
Narrative Arcs of most popular TED Talks identified from content analysis
I define it as
A systematic method for categorizing and interpreting text, images, or media to identify patterns, themes, and trends. It is a mixed method including both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
I use it when
I need to analyze the structure, meaning, and intent of digital data - such as social media, product reviews, or other qualitative sources, to uncover implicit biases, engagement strategies, behavioral patterns, themes, and trends.
Use case
Conducted a video content analysis of the most popular TED Talks to examine engagement strategies. Mapped the prologue narrative arcs, revealing distinct patterns in how speakers blend persuasion, entertainment, and audience connection to maximize impact.
Content Analysis
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Speculative Design
Meet Sassy aka Sassistant, a speculative provotype of a AI Teaching Assistant
I define it as
A design method that explores future possibilities and alternative realities through speculative artifacts, prompting critical reflection on emerging technologies and their implications.
I use it when
I want to challenge assumptions and provoke discussions about the long-term impact of technology, beyond immediate usability concerns.
Use case
Designed Sassi-stant, a speculative provotype exploring AI’s role in education. This critical design intervention used a “sassy” AI assistant to provoke discourse on student inquiry habits and the ethics of AI-driven learning tools.
Speculative Design
Meet Sassy aka Sassistant, a speculative provotype of a AI Teaching Assistant
I define it as
A design method that explores future possibilities and alternative realities through speculative artifacts, prompting critical reflection on emerging technologies and their implications.
I use it when
I want to challenge assumptions and provoke discussions about the long-term impact of technology, beyond immediate usability concerns.
Use case
Designed Sassi-stant, a speculative provotype exploring AI’s role in education. This critical design intervention used a “sassy” AI assistant to provoke discourse on student inquiry habits and the ethics of AI-driven learning tools.
Speculative Design
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Co-design
A look into the collaborative designs that were created by older adults and student designers
I define it as
A participatory method where researchers, designers, and users collaborate to generate ideas and shape solutions, recognizing participants as experts in their lived experiences
I use it when
I need generative insights and creative collaboration to explore unmet needs and new possibilities, especially for inclusive, human-centered solutions.
Use case
Conducted a co-design workshop with older adults and student designers to explore social connection challenges. Participants shared lived experiences, while designers translated ideas into tangible interface concepts.
Co-design
A look into the collaborative designs that were created by older adults and student designers
I define it as
A participatory method where researchers, designers, and users collaborate to generate ideas and shape solutions, recognizing participants as experts in their lived experiences
I use it when
I need generative insights and creative collaboration to explore unmet needs and new possibilities, especially for inclusive, human-centered solutions.
Use case
Conducted a co-design workshop with older adults and student designers to explore social connection challenges. Participants shared lived experiences, while designers translated ideas into tangible interface concepts.
Co-design
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Heuristic Evaluation
Excerpt from Heuristic Evaluation
I define it as
A usability evaluation method where experts review a system against established usability heuristics to identify potential issues without requiring user testing.
I use it when
I need a quick, expert-driven assessment of usability before conducting in-depth user research.
Use case
Conducted a heuristic evaluation of a website for an information architecture course, assessing usability based on Nielsen’s heuristics. Identified issues in navigation, accessibility, and error prevention, recommending improvements for a more user-friendly experience.
Heuristic Evaluation
Excerpt from Heuristic Evaluation
I define it as
A usability evaluation method where experts review a system against established usability heuristics to identify potential issues without requiring user testing.
I use it when
I need a quick, expert-driven assessment of usability before conducting in-depth user research.
Use case
Conducted a heuristic evaluation of a website for an information architecture course, assessing usability based on Nielsen’s heuristics. Identified issues in navigation, accessibility, and error prevention, recommending improvements for a more user-friendly experience.
Heuristic Evaluation
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Cultural Probes
A completed cultural probe artifact.
I define it as
A method where participants use open-ended prompts (e.g., photos, reflections, sensory activities) to document experiences, uncovering unexpected insights and cultural nuances. Unlike diary studies, which track daily experiences over time, cultural probes encourage freeform, exploratory responses.
I use it when
I need unexpected, abstract insights about users’ experiences, emotions, or cultural contexts that structured research might not reveal.
Use case
Conducted cultural probes to explore how Buddhists incorporate teachings into daily life, gathering reflections that shaped a culturally sensitive museum experience.
Cultural Probes
A completed cultural probe artifact.
I define it as
A method where participants use open-ended prompts (e.g., photos, reflections, sensory activities) to document experiences, uncovering unexpected insights and cultural nuances. Unlike diary studies, which track daily experiences over time, cultural probes encourage freeform, exploratory responses.
I use it when
I need unexpected, abstract insights about users’ experiences, emotions, or cultural contexts that structured research might not reveal.
Use case
Conducted cultural probes to explore how Buddhists incorporate teachings into daily life, gathering reflections that shaped a culturally sensitive museum experience.
Cultural Probes
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Service Design
A snapshot of the experience provided by the museum inspired by Buddhist teachings.
I define it as
A holistic approach to designing seamless, multi-touchpoint experiences by aligning front-stage user interactions with back-stage processes, policies, and infrastructure
I use it when
I need to orchestrate complex systems involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring that both user-facing and operational elements work together smoothly.
Use case
Designed a museum experience inspired by Buddhism, integrating spatial design, storytelling, and visitor engagement strategies to create a reflective and immersive journey.
Service Design
A snapshot of the experience provided by the museum inspired by Buddhist teachings.
I define it as
A holistic approach to designing seamless, multi-touchpoint experiences by aligning front-stage user interactions with back-stage processes, policies, and infrastructure
I use it when
I need to orchestrate complex systems involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring that both user-facing and operational elements work together smoothly.
Use case
Designed a museum experience inspired by Buddhism, integrating spatial design, storytelling, and visitor engagement strategies to create a reflective and immersive journey.
Service Design
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Journey Mapping
A journey map visualizing the journey and various touchpoints (in terms of teachback) of a patient undergoing colonoscopy.
I define it as
A diagnostic method and a structured visualization of the user’s experience over time, mapping touchpoints, friction, pain points, and areas for improvement within a product or service.
I use it when
I need to understand the user’s experience step-by-step, uncover barriers, and inform design decisions for better usability and accessibility.
Use case
Created a patient journey map for the Healthwise project, analyzing how people retain medical information and where breakdowns occur in patient education.
Journey Mapping
A journey map visualizing the journey and various touchpoints (in terms of teachback) of a patient undergoing colonoscopy.
I define it as
A diagnostic method and a structured visualization of the user’s experience over time, mapping touchpoints, friction, pain points, and areas for improvement within a product or service.
I use it when
I need to understand the user’s experience step-by-step, uncover barriers, and inform design decisions for better usability and accessibility.
Use case
Created a patient journey map for the Healthwise project, analyzing how people retain medical information and where breakdowns occur in patient education.
Journey Mapping
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Interviews
A Dall-E generated image recreating the Interview setting with between me and the BLV Vscode user
I define it as
A structured, semi-structured, or unstructured conversation between a researcher and a participant to gather in-depth insights into user experiences, motivations, and opinions.
I use it when
I need deep qualitative insights, especially when exploring attitudes, pain points, and motivations.
Use case
Conducted interviews with blind and low-vision developers to understand their experiences using VS Code with screen readers. Explored accessibility pain points, collaboration challenges, and unmet needs, uncovering insights to improve usability and workflow efficiency.
Interviews
A Dall-E generated image recreating the Interview setting with between me and the BLV Vscode user
I define it as
A structured, semi-structured, or unstructured conversation between a researcher and a participant to gather in-depth insights into user experiences, motivations, and opinions.
I use it when
I need deep qualitative insights, especially when exploring attitudes, pain points, and motivations.
Use case
Conducted interviews with blind and low-vision developers to understand their experiences using VS Code with screen readers. Explored accessibility pain points, collaboration challenges, and unmet needs, uncovering insights to improve usability and workflow efficiency.
Interviews
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Diary Studies
A Dall-E generated image of a diary study, as my study is still under wraps for now.
I define it as
A longitudinal research method where participants record their experiences, behaviors, or interactions over time to provide rich, contextual insights into habits and pain points.
I use it when
I need to track user behaviors, emotional responses, and product engagement over days or weeks, especially when direct observation isn’t feasible but self-reporting is.
Use case
Conducted a diary study to explore how professionals engage with LinkedIn influencers and develop parasocial relationships. Participants documented their interactions over two weeks, helping me uncover patterns in expertise perception, relatability, and approachability.
Diary Studies
A Dall-E generated image of a diary study, as my study is still under wraps for now.
I define it as
A longitudinal research method where participants record their experiences, behaviors, or interactions over time to provide rich, contextual insights into habits and pain points.
I use it when
I need to track user behaviors, emotional responses, and product engagement over days or weeks, especially when direct observation isn’t feasible but self-reporting is.
Use case
Conducted a diary study to explore how professionals engage with LinkedIn influencers and develop parasocial relationships. Participants documented their interactions over two weeks, helping me uncover patterns in expertise perception, relatability, and approachability.
Diary Studies
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Quantitative Methods
Surveys
A survey dashboard displaying response trends and key findings.
I define it as
A structured method for collecting self-reported data from users through open-ended or closed-ended questions to quantify opinions, behaviors, or preferences
I use it when
I need statistically significant insights about user needs, perceptions, or trends, especially when working with a large sample size.
Use case
Conducted a survey on job seekers using LinkedIn, collecting insights on job search strategies, networking behaviors, and hiring challenges and how interaction with influencer generated content affect these.
Surveys
A survey dashboard displaying response trends and key findings.
I define it as
A structured method for collecting self-reported data from users through open-ended or closed-ended questions to quantify opinions, behaviors, or preferences
I use it when
I need statistically significant insights about user needs, perceptions, or trends, especially when working with a large sample size.
Use case
Conducted a survey on job seekers using LinkedIn, collecting insights on job search strategies, networking behaviors, and hiring challenges and how interaction with influencer generated content affect these.
Surveys
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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A/B Testing
A side-by-side comparison of two interface variations with performance metrics.
I define it as
An experimental method that compares two versions of a design (A & B) to measure which performs better based on user engagement or success metrics
I use it when
I need data-driven validation of design decisions by testing changes in layout, content, or interactions and analyzing performance differences.
Use case
Currently working on a Figma plugin for VAIL to run A/B tests on two racing dashboard designs, evaluating how users perceive and process real-time data. The study focused on optimizing information clarity, reaction time, and decision-making efficiency in high-speed environments.
A/B Testing
A side-by-side comparison of two interface variations with performance metrics.
I define it as
An experimental method that compares two versions of a design (A & B) to measure which performs better based on user engagement or success metrics
I use it when
I need data-driven validation of design decisions by testing changes in layout, content, or interactions and analyzing performance differences.
Use case
Currently working on a Figma plugin for VAIL to run A/B tests on two racing dashboard designs, evaluating how users perceive and process real-time data. The study focused on optimizing information clarity, reaction time, and decision-making efficiency in high-speed environments.
A/B Testing
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Guerrilla Testing
A feedback collection session at a cultural fest, engaging attendees in usability discussions.
I define it as
A method that evaluates how easily and effectively users can interact with a product by measuring task success rates, completion times, and error rates
I use it when
I need real-world user feedback to identify usability issues and optimize the design for better efficiency, learnability, and satisfaction.
Use case
Led Quality Management efforts at Festember, conducting on-the-spot feedback sessions with event attendees to assess their experiences with event navigation, ticketing, and scheduling. The insights helped improve event logistics and attendee satisfaction in real time.
Guerrilla Testing
A feedback collection session at a cultural fest, engaging attendees in usability discussions.
I define it as
A method that evaluates how easily and effectively users can interact with a product by measuring task success rates, completion times, and error rates
I use it when
I need real-world user feedback to identify usability issues and optimize the design for better efficiency, learnability, and satisfaction.
Use case
Led Quality Management efforts at Festember, conducting on-the-spot feedback sessions with event attendees to assess their experiences with event navigation, ticketing, and scheduling. The insights helped improve event logistics and attendee satisfaction in real time.
Guerrilla Testing
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Clustering Qualitative Data
A visualization of clustered narrative arcs from TED Talk prologues, revealing patterns in engagement and persuasion strategies.
I define it as
A method that groups qualitative data based on similarities using manual categorization or computational clustering techniques to uncover patterns in large datasets
I use it when
I need to identify hidden structures and relationships in qualitative data, such as survey responses, interview transcripts, or media content.
Use case
Conducted clustering analysis on TED Talk videos, identifying patterns in the narrative arc through data visualizations. By mapping shifts in speaker tone, storytelling elements, and audience engagement, I uncovered distinct structures that contribute to a TED Talk’s popularity.
Clustering Qualitative Data
A visualization of clustered narrative arcs from TED Talk prologues, revealing patterns in engagement and persuasion strategies.
I define it as
A method that groups qualitative data based on similarities using manual categorization or computational clustering techniques to uncover patterns in large datasets
I use it when
I need to identify hidden structures and relationships in qualitative data, such as survey responses, interview transcripts, or media content.
Use case
Conducted clustering analysis on TED Talk videos, identifying patterns in the narrative arc through data visualizations. By mapping shifts in speaker tone, storytelling elements, and audience engagement, I uncovered distinct structures that contribute to a TED Talk’s popularity.
Clustering Qualitative Data
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Card Sorting
Participants sorting and grouping content labels to refine Brightmind Enrichment’s site structure.(Dall-E generated)
I define it as
A research method where users categorize information into logical groupings, helping designers structure navigation and content intuitively
I use it when
I need to understand users’ mental models and improve information architecture, labeling, and site structure.
Use case
Running Card Sorting sessions online to explore how users expect content to be grouped. Findings from these sessions will guide labeling and categorization improvements, making the website’s structure more intuitive.
Card Sorting
Participants sorting and grouping content labels to refine Brightmind Enrichment’s site structure.(Dall-E generated)
I define it as
A research method where users categorize information into logical groupings, helping designers structure navigation and content intuitively
I use it when
I need to understand users’ mental models and improve information architecture, labeling, and site structure.
Use case
Running Card Sorting sessions online to explore how users expect content to be grouped. Findings from these sessions will guide labeling and categorization improvements, making the website’s structure more intuitive.
Card Sorting
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I define it as
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I use it when
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Use case
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Tree Sorting
Participants organizing topics into a structured hierarchy to optimize Brightmind Enrichment’s website navigation.(Dall-E Generated)
I define it as
A technique used to evaluate and improve information architecture by testing how users navigate a structured hierarchy without visual design cues
I use it when
I need to validate or refine navigation structures for websites, apps, or large content systems by understanding how users categorize information.
Use case
Currently conducting Tree Sorting studies for Brightmind Enrichment, analyzing how users naturally categorize and locate content within the site’s hierarchy. These insights will inform a more intuitive site structure, improving discoverability and ease of navigation.
Tree Sorting
Participants organizing topics into a structured hierarchy to optimize Brightmind Enrichment’s website navigation.(Dall-E Generated)
I define it as
A technique used to evaluate and improve information architecture by testing how users navigate a structured hierarchy without visual design cues
I use it when
I need to validate or refine navigation structures for websites, apps, or large content systems by understanding how users categorize information.
Use case
Currently conducting Tree Sorting studies for Brightmind Enrichment, analyzing how users naturally categorize and locate content within the site’s hierarchy. These insights will inform a more intuitive site structure, improving discoverability and ease of navigation.
Tree Sorting
Connect your site to the most popular apps out there.
I define it as
Add effects with a few clicks and capture your audience’s attention when they land on your website.
I use it when
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Use case
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