Boost User Research Efficiency with ChatGPT: Practical AIGC Strategies

Introduction

With the rapid growth of the internet and the rise of the AI era, we have entered a new epoch of AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content). AIGC, which automatically creates content using AI, reshapes how information is produced and offers new opportunities and challenges across industries. This article examines how AI tools, especially ChatGPT, can enhance efficiency in user research.

Identifying AI‑Suitable Tasks

Before using AI, consider which parts of a project require content creation or output. Understanding this helps you pinpoint tasks that AI can replace or accelerate, guiding you to focus on mastering those specific tools.

ChatGPT Advantages in User Research

ChatGPT excels at generating text and providing initial analysis. It can draft research proposals, offer template structures, and quickly generate relevant interview or survey questions based on research goals. However, for deep analysis and professional judgment, its capabilities are limited; complex quantitative or qualitative analysis still demands specialized statistical software and expert knowledge.

Case Study: Questionnaire Design

We attempted to use ChatGPT to design a satisfaction survey for Ganji.com users. A vague prompt—"Help me design a questionnaire to measure user satisfaction"—produced scattered, unprofessional questions with insufficient coverage of recruitment topics.

Improving the prompt by adding clear background, objectives, and format instructions yielded more focused and relevant questions. Iterative dialogue and refinement further enhance the output, allowing the AI to adjust wording, tone, and content to match the target audience.

Data Analysis with AI

Although ChatGPT cannot perform complex calculations, it can handle basic data explanations. For repetitive analytical tasks, automate step‑by‑step commands, verify each step, and ensure correct sample sizes. Simple descriptive statistics are reliable, but cross‑tabulations or merged calculations require careful validation.

AI can also assist in writing formulas for complex calculations, providing clear syntax when given precise instructions.

Interview Summarization

Qualitative research often involves summarizing multiple interview transcripts. Tools such as Chatdoc, Humata, and FileGPT combine search capabilities with AI models to answer specific queries and provide citation information, helping streamline interview summarization.

Report Generation

In the reporting phase, AI tools like Gamma can automatically generate PPT slides, saving time on image selection and template design.

Conclusion

AI tools hold significant value in user research when integrated with clear, detailed prompts. They boost efficiency in tasks that are repetitive or text‑heavy while allowing researchers to focus on areas requiring professional expertise. Properly combining AI strengths with human judgment leads to more comprehensive and insightful research outcomes.