Research Planing

We outlined the assumptions to be explored and formulated questions to be addressed through interviews, utilizing the CSD Matrix. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of the user's relationship with training/skill development courses and their integration into the work routine, we opted for a qualitative exploratory research. Using a semi-structured script, we sought employees' perspectives on both the drawbacks and appealing aspects of these courses and the platforms used.

We redacted our first interview script and interviewed four individuals. We then encountered an obstacle: the questions related to quality of life and general motivation did not yield relevant answers regarding work and training courses, hindering the foundational data required for building the final product. Moreover, the interviewees did not all align with the desired user profile, representing various ages, seniorities, and working in both public and private sectors.

Recognizing the need for a complete overhaul, we initiated a research restructuring. This involved identifying internal errors in the script and participant selection. We refined the questions to focus solely on work and course-related aspects. Additionally, we adjusted the participant criteria to align with the user profile: beginner to mid-level professionals employed by middle to large companies.

We conducted another round of interviews, implementing a new set of questions with participants meeting the revised guidelines.

See the final version of the research plan below:

Research Planning on Gamification in Companies

  1. Main Question

    a. What are the main shortcomings and issue of corporate training platforms?

  1. Question(s) we want to answer - Specific Objectives

    a. What are the primary pain points users experience with these platforms?

    b. What are the causes of users' lack of motivation in completing training courses?

    c. How do employees perceive the importance of the courses?

    d. What level of importance do employees assign to corporate training?

    e. How do employees view the retention of knowledge from training courses?

    f. What are the main issues regarding knowledge retention?

    g. What is the most effective method for knowledge retention?

  2. Research Objective

    a. Understand how employees interact and view corporate training platforms.

  3. Hypothesis(es)

    a. Users struggle to prioritize corporate training.

    b. Difficulty balancing completing the courses and other responsibilities.

    c. Outdated teaching methods. d. Platforms lack appeal and engagement mechanisms.

    e. Employees don't find the course topics relevant.

    f. Employees struggle to complete tasks and meet deadline when they have to assign some of their time to studying.

    g. Completion of courses boosts employees' confidence.

See the full script here below.

The second round of interviews was carried out with 9 people from medium to large private companies, ranging in age from 20 to 50, holding junior and mid-level positions. This specific focus proved pivotal in identifying the need to:

  • Shorten the duration of lessons.

  • Clarify the impact of course completion on the user's routine.

  • Integrate courses into each user's individual routine.

  • Implement practice exercises.

The subsequent interview delved into the platforms interviewees used and the course completion process. We aimed to uncover artifacts that could enhance the course completion process, making it more manageable and enjoyable while exploring the intrinsic value provided by the courses as a way to motivate users, with extrinsic rewards taking on a secondary role. This shift was essential for creating an efficient database for product development while still exploring user profiles.

The interviewees' profiles and their accounts aligned with the envisioned proto-persona, prompting a revisit of the assumptions raised and validation of our persona.

Research Script

Research Plan on Gamification in Companies - Employee Interviews

Main Question: What are the main issues with corporate training platforms (CTPs)?

Question(s) to be answered - Specific Objectives

● What are the main frustrations users have with the platforms?

● What causes users' lack of motivation in completing the trainings?

● How do employees perceive the relevance of the courses?

● What level of importance do employees assign to CTPs?

● How do employees view the retention of CTP knowledge?

● What are the main challenges related to knowledge retention?

● What is the best way to solidify knowledge?

Research Objective: to understand employees' relationship with CTPs

Hypotheses

● Inability to prioritize CTPs

● Difficulty in balancing courses

● Outdated teaching methods

● Platforms lack attraction and engagement mechanisms

● Employees don't see relevance in the course topics

● Employees feel pressured as time for meeting goals is compromised when dedicating time to courses

● Employees feel more confident after completing courses

Research Methods: Qualitative exploratory research with a semi-structured script

Contact Method: WhatsApp, Email, Google Meet

Profiles/Sample:

● Employees of medium and large private companies

● Ages 20 to 50

● Junior and mid-level positions

● 10 interviews Additional Data Project board

Expected Impact: to identify unmet needs and challenges by the platform.

Expected Deadline: Aug 19, 2022

Questionnaire Script

Block 1 - Exploration

  1. What's your daily work routine like?

  2. Describe your work environment.

  3. What are the main daily demands in your company?

    Block 2 - Training

  4. Does your company conduct training sessions? a. How often?

  5. Tell me about the last training you attended.

  6. Is it important for you to undergo these trainings?

  7. How do you manage these alongside work demands?

    Block 3 - Learning Platforms

  8. Do you use any training-assisting platforms? If yes, which one?

  9. How is your experience with the platform? a. What changes would you make to improve the learning process?

  10. Describe your experience with the company's training platform.

  11. Among the training courses you've taken, which one stood out and why?

  12. Do the trainings affect your work routine? If yes, how? a. Does it matter if it's a short or long training? Why?

  13. In your opinion, what makes a training effective?

  14. How does the company train its employees?

    Block 4 - Training Courses

  15. What are the major difficulties you've faced during a training course?

  16. Is the course content presented in a clear and understandable manner?

  17. Is the time given to complete the course satisfactory?

  18. Was there an evaluation process? Was it adequate?

  19. How often do you seek training?

  20. Has anything you learned from the course brought about changes in your daily routine? What and how?

  21. When you had to take longer courses, how did it affect your motivation to finish?