When to Use Which UX Research Methods

David Oh
Jul 2
2 min read

Choosing the right research method can make or break a UX project—especially in fintech, where decisions carry real financial weight. Here’s a guide to when and why to use different UX research methods:

1. Use Surveys When You Need Quantitative Insights Fast

Best for: Measuring user satisfaction (e.g., NPS, SUS), validating patterns
Example: You want to know what percentage of users feel overwhelmed at the onboarding step.

2. Use Interviews When You Need Depth

Best for: Understanding motivations, behaviors, and mental models
Example: You’re redesigning a retirement tool and want to understand how users think about long-term planning.

3. Use Usability Testing to Optimize Flows

Best for: Testing prototypes, flows, or live products for friction points
Example: You're launching a budgeting feature and want to see where users get stuck before release.

4. Use Diary Studies for Longitudinal Behavior

Best for: Capturing usage over time, especially in personal finance habits
Example: You're developing a savings product and want to understand user engagement over 2 weeks.

5. Use A/B Testing to Measure Real-World Impact

Best for: Validating design changes at scale
Example: You're unsure whether a new CTA improves conversion—A/B testing gives you data to act on.

6. Use Card Sorting to Improve Information Architecture

Best for: Reorganizing dashboards, menus, or nav structures
Example: Users can't find tax tools within the platform—use card sorting to rethink categories.

7. Use Field Studies When Context Matters

Best for: Understanding use in real-world settings (e.g. advisors in client meetings)
Example: You want to understand how advisors interact with planning tools while managing live client sessions.

Matching the right method to your research question is a skill—and in fintech, it's often about balancing speed, depth, and compliance. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where I unpack specific case studies and walk through the methods that delivered impact.