user-research-synthesizer

# User Research Synthesizer

## Overview

Transform scattered user feedback into structured insights that drive product decisions. This skill encodes the frameworks for synthesizing qualitative research into actionable findings.

## Research Synthesis Process

```
RAW DATA → OBSERVATIONS → PATTERNS → INSIGHTS → RECOMMENDATIONS
```

### Step 1: Extract Observations

From each interview/feedback source, capture:
- Direct quotes (verbatim)
- Behaviors observed
- Pain points mentioned
- Goals expressed
- Context details

**Observation Format:**
```
[Source ID] [Quote/Observation]
"I spend 2 hours every Monday just compiling reports" - User 5, Sales Manager
```

### Step 2: Affinity Mapping

Group observations into themes:

| Theme | Observations | Frequency |
|-------|--------------|-----------|
| Reporting pain | U1, U3, U5, U7, U9 | 5/10 |
| Mobile needs | U2, U4, U6 | 3/10 |
| Integration gaps | U1, U2, U8, U10 | 4/10 |

### Step 3: Pattern Identification

**Pattern Statement Format:**
```
[WHO] experiences [WHAT problem/need]
when [CONTEXT/TRIGGER]
because [ROOT CAUSE]
```

**Example:**
> Sales managers experience time-consuming manual reporting when preparing for weekly meetings because data lives in multiple disconnected systems.

### Step 4: Insight Generation

**Insight Format:**
```
INSIGHT: [Actionable finding]
EVIDENCE: [Supporting data points]
CONFIDENCE: [High/Medium/Low]
IMPACT: [If we solve this, then...]
```

**Example:**
```
INSIGHT: Users need automated cross-system reporting
EVIDENCE: 5/10 users mentioned manual reporting pain, avg 2+ hrs/week
CONFIDENCE: High (consistent across segments)
IMPACT: Solving this would save ~100 hrs/month across user base
```

## Persona Development

### Persona Template

```
NAME: [Representative name]
ROLE: [Job title]
SEGMENT: [Customer segment]

GOALS
- Primary: [Main objective]
- Secondary: [Supporting goals]

PAIN POINTS
- [Pain 1]: [Impact]
- [Pain 2]: [Impact]

BEHAVIORS
- [How they work today]
- [Tools they use]
- [Decision-making style]

QUOTES
"[Verbatim quote that captures their perspective]"

SUCCESS METRICS
[How they measure success in their role]
```

### Persona Validation Checklist

- [ ] Based on actual research (not assumptions)
- [ ] Represents a significant segment
- [ ] Distinct from other personas
- [ ] Actionable for product decisions
- [ ] Includes both goals and frustrations

## Insight Prioritization

### Impact/Frequency Matrix

```
                HIGH FREQUENCY
                     │
   Address First     │    Top Priority
   (Common but       │    (Common and
    low impact)      │     high impact)
                     │
─────────────────────┼─────────────────────
                     │
   Monitor           │    Opportunistic
   (Rare and         │    (Rare but
    low impact)      │     high impact)
                     │
                LOW FREQUENCY

                LOW ←──────────────→ HIGH
                        IMPACT
```

### Prioritization Criteria

| Factor | Weight | Questions |
|--------|--------|-----------|
| Frequency | 30% | How many users mentioned this? |
| Severity | 25% | How painful is this problem? |
| Business Impact | 25% | Does this affect revenue/retention? |
| Solvability | 20% | Can we realistically address this? |

## Research Report Structure

```
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Key findings (3-5 bullets)
- Recommended actions

METHODOLOGY
- Research type and sample
- Limitations

KEY INSIGHTS
- Insight 1 + evidence
- Insight 2 + evidence
- Insight 3 + evidence

PERSONAS (if applicable)
- Persona summaries

RECOMMENDATIONS
- Prioritized actions
- Quick wins vs. long-term

APPENDIX
- Raw data summary
- Full observation list
```

## Quality Checklist

Before presenting findings:
- [ ] Insights are based on patterns, not single data points
- [ ] Direct quotes support each finding
- [ ] Confidence level is stated
- [ ] Recommendations are actionable
- [ ] Limitations are acknowledged

## Resources

### references/
- **interview-guide.md** — Research interview question templates
- **analysis-methods.md** — Qualitative analysis techniques

### assets/
- **persona-template.pptx** — Persona presentation format
- **affinity-map-template.xlsx** — Affinity mapping spreadsheet