Different ways to run research

Relies on numbers or metrics, like:

A/B testing — some people see one version of something, others see another version, and you compare performance.
Preference testing — showing people different versions of the same thing and asking for their feedback
Surveys — asking people to rate, agree, or comment on statements
Analytics — looking at exiting data, e.g. engagement, use, spend…
Card Sorting — make employees sort content by theme, priority order, and more

Relies on people’s perspectives or opinions, like:

User interviews / focus groups — a structured conversation with one or more employees about a specific idea, topic or project
Workshops — a group session with facilitated activities
Observation / shadowing — looking at how the employee does their thing
Industry best practice research — books, podcasts, experts, conferences…
Usability testing — have the employees use what you built and see how it goes
Experience mapping — visualise the employee journey steps

Examples

Analyse and organise the results into ideas, themes and patterns, insight statements
Interpret the results — what does it mean for our work?
Present them back to your stakeholders — depending on who & what for, it could be a 5min Stand ups check in, or a fully fledged slide deck 🧑‍🏫