User Research Library

Whenever I see a problem, I try to fix it.

When I began my job at Cook Medical, I realized that I was working for a very complex company and I had a lot to learn.  Individuals in the company have vast and in depth knowledge of various parts of the company such as marketing, particular user groups, sales reps, training, products, etc, but most of this information comes from long term experience working for the company.  Being fresh from the world of academia I knew that design is about everything, which means the faster I learn about everything, the better.  I wished for a place where I could look at research or information on certain aspects of the company.  Unfortunately that place, virtual or actual, didn’t exist.  Because I needed it, I decided to create it.

With help from a few coworkers, I used a simple WordPress theme to create a library with powerful search functions.  In addition, I created research templates and taught my department about user research.  Since it’s inception in late August of 2010, we have conducted over 20 documented studies including card sorts, interviews, cognitive mapping, surveys, and focus groups.

It’s wonderful to share knowledge and to have a starting point other than ground zero.

A selection of titles in the User Knowledge Base:

• Card Sort: Consumers Organizing Disease Information
• A Day in the Life of a Urology Sales Rep
• Cognitive Mapping the Structure of the Aortic Intervention Business Unit
• Dr. [Confidential] Interview: Peyronie’s Specialist