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Thematic analysis

Thematic analysis is a systematic method of breaking down and organising data from qualitative research by grouping similar findings and providing them with appropriate names with the goal of identifying themes.
Thematic analysis
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1. Understand
On the first we stay in the problem space, challenging our understanding of the problem.This is some text inside of a div block.
Illustration that represents some working tools
2. Ideate
On the second day we gather inspiration, ideate and sketch solutions together.
Illustration that represents a futuristic mobile interface
3. Prototype
On the third day we turn the most voted sketches into a prototype and prepare to meet the users.
Illustration that represents some bubble talks
4. Test
On the fourth and final day we test the prototype with users and round off the sprint together.

How it works

Thematic analysis is a systematic method of breaking down and organising data from qualitative research by grouping similar findings and providing them with appropriate names with the goal of identifying themes.

Thematic analysis is a systematic method of breaking down and organising data from qualitative research by grouping similar findings and providing them with appropriate names with the goal of identifying themes.

Infinity symbol icon
Understand
Define
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1-2 hours
Users icon
Product Manager and/or Product Owner, Business Analyst, UX Designer, Developer, Quality assurer
Before

1. Summarise research findings. After conducting research, e.g. through user interviews or usability testing, go through the findings together with the team and ask each team member to note down their top 5 findings.

2. Prepare for documentation. Prepare an easily accessible place to document the analysis, e.g. a Mural board.

During

3. Go through top 5 findings. Ask each team member to read their top 5 findings out loud one by one and add them to e.g. a Mural board or a wall where all team members can see them.

4. Group similar findings. As each team member presents, ask the others to put similar notes next to the one being presented. This will help save time on grouping.

5. Name the groups. Once all notes are grouped, give them short, descriptive names that focus on the desired outcome. Sometimes there are multiple solutions to reach an outcome. Focusing on the outcome helps us stay open to different solutions.

After

6. Prioritise the groups, e.g. by running a Prioritisation Canvas workshop. This will help the team understand how the different themes compare in value creation and complexity. We recommend starting with the least complex theme.

7. Ideate on solutions together. Depending on the complexity of the theme and what activity the findings come from, this could be done through a Design Sprint or through a combination of a Design Studio and Usability testing.

Tips
  • If findings are from different user groups, colour code them. This way you will both be able to identify the themes that matter to your users and which of those themes matter most to your different user groups.
  • Save yourself time on documentation by using a digital tool, e.g. Mural, even if you run the workshop on-site. That way you can have lively discussions while still documenting everything in an accessible way right away.
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Before

1. Summarise research findings. After conducting research, e.g. through user interviews or usability testing, go through the findings together with the team and ask each team member to note down their top 5 findings.

2. Prepare for documentation. Prepare an easily accessible place to document the analysis, e.g. a Mural board.

During

3. Go through top 5 findings. Ask each team member to read their top 5 findings out loud one by one and add them to e.g. a Mural board or a wall where all team members can see them.

4. Group similar findings. As each team member presents, ask the others to put similar notes next to the one being presented. This will help save time on grouping.

5. Name the groups. Once all notes are grouped, give them short, descriptive names that focus on the desired outcome. Sometimes there are multiple solutions to reach an outcome. Focusing on the outcome helps us stay open to different solutions.

After

6. Prioritise the groups, e.g. by running a Prioritisation Canvas workshop. This will help the team understand how the different themes compare in value creation and complexity. We recommend starting with the least complex theme.

7. Ideate on solutions together. Depending on the complexity of the theme and what activity the findings come from, this could be done through a Design Sprint or through a combination of a Design Studio and Usability testing.

Tips
  • If findings are from different user groups, colour code them. This way you will both be able to identify the themes that matter to your users and which of those themes matter most to your different user groups.
  • Save yourself time on documentation by using a digital tool, e.g. Mural, even if you run the workshop on-site. That way you can have lively discussions while still documenting everything in an accessible way right away.

Templates

Ultimately, the choice of design tool depends on the specific needs of the designer and the project at hand. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and designers must consider factors such as cost, ease of use, and collaboration features when selecting the best tool for their needs.

Mural Board
Design Sprint 2.0 board

Follow this day-by-day exercise schedule for a meaningful and efficient Design Sprint.

Tool recommendations

Below you will find some tool recommendations, but please note that you are free to choose whatever tool you prefer. For some tools we have group wide licenses, in which case access can be requested via [email protected]. Remember that you always need cost approval from your immediate manager.

Mural
Mural
Mural offers both a shared workspace and training, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.
Mural
FigJam
FigJam
An online collaborative whiteboard for teams.
FigJam
Google Meet
Google Meet
Real-time meetings using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.
Google Meet
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