Andy Merskin

Denver, CO

User research fundamentals

October 3, 2025

User research isn’t about collecting data—it’s about understanding people. Every insight should reveal something about human behavior, needs, or motivations.

I start with empathy: What are users trying to accomplish? What frustrates them? What brings them joy? These questions guide my research approach.

I combine methods strategically: interviews for depth, surveys for breadth, observation for truth. Each method reveals different aspects of the user experience.

The goal is insight, not information. Raw data becomes wisdom through synthesis and interpretation.

Great products are built on deep understanding of users. User research isn’t a phase—it’s the foundation of everything we do.