Reference table
Co-design vs user research vs usability testing
A comparison of three related methods. In user research the researcher studies the user and produces insights during discovery. In co-design users create with the team and produce concepts, design directions and prototypes between discovery and definition. In usability testing users evaluate designs and the output is a list of issues to fix. Use it to explain to stakeholders why co-design is its own step.
Where this appears
What's in this reference table
| Method | Power dynamic | Output | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| User research | Researcher studies user | Insights | Discovery |
| Co-design | User co-creates with team | Concepts, design directions, prototypes | Discovery to definition |
| Usability testing | User evaluates designs | Issues to fix | Validation |
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<a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/co-design-vs-user-research-vs-usability-testing"><img src="https://www.koji.so/visuals/co-design-vs-user-research-vs-usability-testing/co-design-vs-user-research-vs-usability-testing.png" alt="Table comparing user research, co-design and usability testing by power dynamic, output and stage, with co-design sitting between discovery and definition." width="1200" height="630" /></a>
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/co-design-vs-user-research-vs-usability-testing">Co-design vs user research vs usability testing</a>, Koji</p>
