Cultural Difference and Its Effects on User Research Methodologies

Abstract

Various researches have proved that cultural differences affect the process and results of user research, emphasizing that should cultural attention be given in order to obtain sufficient results. After performing three experiment methods: probe, usability test, and focus group interview in the Netherlands and Korea, we discovered that productivity and effectiveness was poorer in Korea. The differences were found due to the contrary between cultures, strongly indicated by Hofstede's cultural dimension Individualism vs. Collectivism. In addition, we have proved that the different factors made an impact on user research process and result. Based on the analysis, we compiled guidelines for each of the method when performing in Korea.