Execute ICT user research activities

Perform research tasks such as recruitment of participants, scheduling of tasks, collecting of empirical data, data analysis and production of materials in order to assess the interaction of users with an ICT system, program or application.

skill/competence

sector-specific

Execute ICT user research activities is an essential skill of the following occupations:

ICT accessibility tester: ICT accessibility testers evaluate websites, software applications, systems or user interface components with regards to friendliness, operability of the navigation and visibility to all types of users, especially including those with special needs or disabilities.
ICT usability tester: ICT usability testers ensure compliance with requirements and strive for optimal usability within the software engineering cycle phases (analysis, design, implementation, and deployment). They also work closely with users (analysts) to research for and document user profiles, analyse tasks, workflows, and user scenarios.
ICT research consultant: ICT research consultants perform targeted ICT research and provide a final report to the client. They also use ICT tools to design questionnaires for surveys, analyse the results, write reports, present the results and make recommendations based on the research findings.
Computer scientist: Computer scientists conduct research in computer and information science, directed toward greater knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of ICT phenomena. They write research reports and proposals. Computer scientists also invent and design new approaches to computing technology, find innovative uses for existing technology and studies and solve complex problems in computing.
User experience analyst: User experience analysts assess client interaction and experience and analyse users’ behaviours, attitudes, and emotions about the usage of a particular product, system or service. They make proposals for the improvement of the interface and usability of products, systems or services. In doing so, they take into consideration the practical, experiential, affective, meaningful and valuable aspects of human–computer interaction and product ownership, as well as the person’s perceptions of system aspects such as utility, ease of use and efficiency, and user experience dynamics.

Execute ICT user research activities is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

ICT research manager: ICT research managers plan, manage and monitor research activities and evaluate emerging trends in the information and communication technology field to assess their relevance. They also design and oversee staff training on the use of new technology and recommend ways to implement new products and solutions that will maximise benefits for the organisation.

References

1. Execute ICT user research activities – ESCO