The quest for integrating data in mixed research: User experience research revisited

Abstract

Researching human experiences in new media environments is an exciting endeavour, as it allows for a multitude of technologically enhanced ways to explore the situations. We are using a wide range of research methods for collecting both qualitative data (e.g. interviews, open-ended survey questions, observations) and quantitative data (e.g. questionnaires, electroencephalography (EEG), electrodermal activation (EDA), heart rate, eye tracking). In this chapter, we discuss the challenges in finding solutions for integrating different types of data in a mixed methods approach in order to answer specific research questions related to various media contexts. In addition to the eye tracker analysing tools (TobiiStudio), we are developing our own analysing software, eValu8, for synchronizing eye-tracking data with video recordings, and psychophysiological measures, such as EDA and EEG. We are exploring how to combine softwares to maximize the added value of mixed methods in integrated analyses in user experience research for the purpose of iterative design of digital content and format development.