Inside Facit Digital - or: what it means to work as a UX consultant

This time Thomas Pfab gives an insight into the daily work at Facit Digital.

Thomas has been working at Facit Digital since 2015 and tells us what he deals with every day as a UX Consultant, what is special for him about working in UX research and which UX failures he would rather not encounter anymore.

1. What are your typical tasks as a consultant?
As a consultant, I take on the responsibility for our clients‘ projects and carry them out. This includes a variety of aspects and tasks, which can often differ depending on the type of project. Mostly, however, it starts with consulting our client on the research design and then continues with drafting of questionnaires, project management, data evaluation and the creation of a report or presentation. I am mainly responsible for quantitative research and therefore I program online surveys or evaluate survey data with statistical analyses.

2. For an example, what are you currently working on?

I am currently conducting an online survey for a customer to test the relevance and usefulness of various features and ideas for a digital service. Projects that take place in the early stages of product development are always particularly interesting because we can help to optimize a new product right from the start for future users.

3. What's the coolest thing about your job?
The great team spirit! This is a real benefit both in terms of work and on a personal level. Due to the close cooperation and the frequent exchanges among each other, you often receive useful tips and support and you are able to work more efficiently and are happier while doing it.

4. How did it come about that you applied to Facit Digital?
During my time at university I discovered my passion for research. However, I also quickly realized that I definitely needed a more practical approach and therefore looked for around for working student jobs in the market research industry. That’s how I ended up here.

5. What are you looking forward to the most when you come to the office in the morning?
Every day I most look forward to my colleagues, the good working atmosphere and lunch, obviously.

6. A challenge that you have overcome in your time at Facit Digital.
When project timings shift and overlap unfavorably with other projects, this is a great challenge: Coordinating several projects, clients and colleagues at the same time and still delivering good quality regardless. Fortunately, I have always managed to come through this well.

7. Why UX / Usability Research?
Especially in these days in which the Internet and apps on all different kind of channels and devices are present all the time and we do everything online, from route planning to weekly shopping, good UX is important for us as consumers just because of self-interest. On the other hand, the supply and competition between providers of digital services is greater than ever and the patience of users is limited. Good usability and UX is therefore essential for all sides.

8. Qualitative or quantitative research?
I am always a friend of numbers and representative samples to support statements and findings and nothing leave to chance. But as in all matters, a healthy mixture is usually the best solution. Therefore a combination of both approaches is often recommended. In this way, qualitative findings can be transformed into quantitative questions or quantitative research can be deepened with personal experience.

10. Which UX Fail is driving you crazy?
Forms in which the auto-fill function does not work properly - especially if you laboriously have to enter your data manually using a smartphone, because the last name is automatically entered in the house number field and the house number as the telephone number.

What it's like to start user experience research as a trainee at Facit Digital you can read in an interview with Marion. Florian gives exciting insights into the daily work of a Senior UX Consultant.