At IBM, I conducted end-to-end, mixed-method research on IBM Db2, IBM's 30+ year old relational database. I tested all sorts of different features including: monitoring dashboards, SQL editor, replication-based disaster recovery, backup and restore, and the administration settings area. My research methods included: usability testing, card sorting, tree testing, concept testing, prototype testing, jobs to be done (JTBD), and generative interviews.
In this case study, I'm going to share about a competitive analysis I did for installing Db2 on Windows desktop machines.
In reality, the installation was long and confusing.
Methodology
Analyzed 4 different database tools
- MySQL
- MongoDB
- PostgreSQL
- Db2
Through UserTesting.com, I recruited 3 participants for each tool and had them go through the same series of tasks to install the databases. The sessions were unmoderated.
Each participant followed the steps in the "high level database flow," but the reality for each different tool looked a little different and I mapped it into an interactive flow chart using Overflow.io.
What I learned
There were a lot of issues, but I summarized it into these four key problem areas noted in the image below.
In my full report, I've broken each area down to show clearly the problem and provide a recommendation for improvement.
At the end of my report, I show the opportunities to solve the key problems.
If you'd like to see the full report or have me walk through it, reach out!
2020
