[SEMINAR] User Research Methods for Digital Experiences

Speaker: Simone Bassanelli, Researcher at Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Trento (Italy)

When: Monday, 1st December, 14:30-16:30

Where: Room A1.3, Alan Turing

Abstract: A structured introduction to the main user research techniques applied to digital systems, gamified solutions, and games. The seminar illustrates how to integrate user research into an iterative design process, from defining goals to evaluating the final experience.

Key Topics:

• The role of user research in the product lifecycle

• Qualitative methods: interviews, observation, think-aloud protocols

• Quantitative methods: questionnaires, UX metrics, data analysis

• Evaluation of usability, engagement, and motivation

• Best practices for designing questionnaires for digital systems and games

Bio: Simone Bassanelli is a researcher at the Motivational Digital Systems (MoDiS) unit of Fondazione Bruno Kessler. He holds an MSc in Neuroscience and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation from the University of Padova and a PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Trento in collaboration with FBK. He was a visiting researcher at The Games Institute, University of Waterloo (Canada). His work focuses on game and gamification design, participatory and co-design methodologies, and user research for sustainability, with particular attention to sustainable mobility, more-than-human perspectives, and sustainability education. He combines qualitative and quantitative methods, field studies, and UX evaluation to design and assess engaging, behavior-changing digital systems.