Rory Madden
@rory.zeroblockers.com
Founder of UXDX and ZeroBlockers Framework.
Figuring out how to help teams build better software faster.
Figuring out how to help teams build better software faster.
I do this but then ask codex to critique the implementation that Claude does. Works really well
November 13, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I do this but then ask codex to critique the implementation that Claude does. Works really well
But they are different opinions to the ones I like. You can't shore those "other" opinions. If you share the ones I like then it is ok.
April 15, 2025 at 2:43 PM
But they are different opinions to the ones I like. You can't shore those "other" opinions. If you share the ones I like then it is ok.
The research equivalent of "if a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?". If your research doesn't get used did you do any research at all?
February 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
The research equivalent of "if a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?". If your research doesn't get used did you do any research at all?
I've found that after about two times to fix a bug, it will just make the program worse. But what works is too nice between llms. Chatgpt - Claude - deep seek etc
February 12, 2025 at 9:14 PM
I've found that after about two times to fix a bug, it will just make the program worse. But what works is too nice between llms. Chatgpt - Claude - deep seek etc
I think "chat up" is one of those sayings that means different things in different countries.
Makes the tweet a lot funnier though. Great to see you're working the neighborhood 🤣
Makes the tweet a lot funnier though. Great to see you're working the neighborhood 🤣
February 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
I think "chat up" is one of those sayings that means different things in different countries.
Makes the tweet a lot funnier though. Great to see you're working the neighborhood 🤣
Makes the tweet a lot funnier though. Great to see you're working the neighborhood 🤣
One thing my wife didn't factor in was exhaustion. 30 hours without sleep makes it tough to do anything. The epidural was amazing
January 5, 2025 at 9:28 AM
One thing my wife didn't factor in was exhaustion. 30 hours without sleep makes it tough to do anything. The epidural was amazing
It doesn't seem to be on Amazon at the moment but you can buy epubs on other platforms www.kobo.com/ie/en/ebook/...
December 31, 2024 at 9:41 PM
It doesn't seem to be on Amazon at the moment but you can buy epubs on other platforms www.kobo.com/ie/en/ebook/...
Want to run better research interviews?
Check out the full article here: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-run-a-productive-generative-research-interview
Check out the full article here: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-run-a-productive-generative-research-interview
How to Run a Productive Generative Research Interview
Running an interview is not difficult. But running a productive interview that uncovers genuine insights to inform your product is a different challenge. This article introduces a proven approach to help you maximise the value of your interviews, drawing on methods from the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework.
blog.zeroblockers.com
December 31, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Want to run better research interviews?
Check out the full article here: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-run-a-productive-generative-research-interview
Check out the full article here: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-run-a-productive-generative-research-interview
Always try to interview in pairs!
We all fall into bad habits. One person can rescue the conversation if it drifts into opinion territory. Plus you can play good cop/bad cop to dig deeper into confusing answers. 7/8
We all fall into bad habits. One person can rescue the conversation if it drifts into opinion territory. Plus you can play good cop/bad cop to dig deeper into confusing answers. 7/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Always try to interview in pairs!
We all fall into bad habits. One person can rescue the conversation if it drifts into opinion territory. Plus you can play good cop/bad cop to dig deeper into confusing answers. 7/8
We all fall into bad habits. One person can rescue the conversation if it drifts into opinion territory. Plus you can play good cop/bad cop to dig deeper into confusing answers. 7/8
People can explain their reasons for actions, but sometimes things don't line up quite right.
Want to know what people really value? Give alternatives:
"Why not choose the cheaper option?"
"Why not hire someone else?"
People struggle to explain their choices until you give them contrasts. 6/8
Want to know what people really value? Give alternatives:
"Why not choose the cheaper option?"
"Why not hire someone else?"
People struggle to explain their choices until you give them contrasts. 6/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
People can explain their reasons for actions, but sometimes things don't line up quite right.
Want to know what people really value? Give alternatives:
"Why not choose the cheaper option?"
"Why not hire someone else?"
People struggle to explain their choices until you give them contrasts. 6/8
Want to know what people really value? Give alternatives:
"Why not choose the cheaper option?"
"Why not hire someone else?"
People struggle to explain their choices until you give them contrasts. 6/8
Pro tip: When interviewing, energy matters more than words.
When someone gets excited or bored about a topic, that tells you more than what they're actually saying.
Dig in to find out why they are so excited, or why the have no interest. 5/8
When someone gets excited or bored about a topic, that tells you more than what they're actually saying.
Dig in to find out why they are so excited, or why the have no interest. 5/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Pro tip: When interviewing, energy matters more than words.
When someone gets excited or bored about a topic, that tells you more than what they're actually saying.
Dig in to find out why they are so excited, or why the have no interest. 5/8
When someone gets excited or bored about a topic, that tells you more than what they're actually saying.
Dig in to find out why they are so excited, or why the have no interest. 5/8
Broad questions are great to get started, but don't trust these answers! You want to move quickly to evidence, or as Bopb says get into the details.
"Show me your workflow"
"Can I see your browser history"
"What browser tabs do you have open right now?"
Real behavior > opinions every time
4/8
"Show me your workflow"
"Can I see your browser history"
"What browser tabs do you have open right now?"
Real behavior > opinions every time
4/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Broad questions are great to get started, but don't trust these answers! You want to move quickly to evidence, or as Bopb says get into the details.
"Show me your workflow"
"Can I see your browser history"
"What browser tabs do you have open right now?"
Real behavior > opinions every time
4/8
"Show me your workflow"
"Can I see your browser history"
"What browser tabs do you have open right now?"
Real behavior > opinions every time
4/8
Start the research interview with broad, struggle-based questions:
Push: "What are you frustrated with?"
Pull: "What are you hoping for?"
Anxiety: "What worries you?"
Habit: "What do you love about your current solution?"
This will help you zone in on the most important areas. 3/8
Push: "What are you frustrated with?"
Pull: "What are you hoping for?"
Anxiety: "What worries you?"
Habit: "What do you love about your current solution?"
This will help you zone in on the most important areas. 3/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Start the research interview with broad, struggle-based questions:
Push: "What are you frustrated with?"
Pull: "What are you hoping for?"
Anxiety: "What worries you?"
Habit: "What do you love about your current solution?"
This will help you zone in on the most important areas. 3/8
Push: "What are you frustrated with?"
Pull: "What are you hoping for?"
Anxiety: "What worries you?"
Habit: "What do you love about your current solution?"
This will help you zone in on the most important areas. 3/8
First, the setup is crucial. You want the person to be relaxed so explain there are no "right" answers. Next since you will ask very detailed questions frame the interview like shooting a documentary. This gives you permission to ask detailed questions without making people uncomfortable. 2/8
December 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
First, the setup is crucial. You want the person to be relaxed so explain there are no "right" answers. Next since you will ask very detailed questions frame the interview like shooting a documentary. This gives you permission to ask detailed questions without making people uncomfortable. 2/8
I went to a fortune teller and they said that 2025 was going to be a fantastic year. I will find love, I'll get richer beyond all my dreams and I'll get into better shape.
I stood up and slapped them.
They were really confused but I always want to strike a happy medium
I stood up and slapped them.
They were really confused but I always want to strike a happy medium
December 29, 2024 at 7:20 AM
I went to a fortune teller and they said that 2025 was going to be a fantastic year. I will find love, I'll get richer beyond all my dreams and I'll get into better shape.
I stood up and slapped them.
They were really confused but I always want to strike a happy medium
I stood up and slapped them.
They were really confused but I always want to strike a happy medium
I use Figma to store these snapshots. I have a research folder and store all of the snapshots in chronological order.
In terms of organising it for future decisions: I don't. I've tried complex research repositories but data decay is a real challenge. I think continuous, low effort research is best
In terms of organising it for future decisions: I don't. I've tried complex research repositories but data decay is a real challenge. I think continuous, low effort research is best
December 17, 2024 at 10:02 AM
I use Figma to store these snapshots. I have a research folder and store all of the snapshots in chronological order.
In terms of organising it for future decisions: I don't. I've tried complex research repositories but data decay is a real challenge. I think continuous, low effort research is best
In terms of organising it for future decisions: I don't. I've tried complex research repositories but data decay is a real challenge. I think continuous, low effort research is best
A structured approach to documenting insights not only makes your write-ups clearer - you end up with better context for each step in their journey.
Check out the full article for more info: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-document-research-interviews
Check out the full article for more info: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-document-research-interviews
How to Document Research Interviews
After doing a customer interview you need to synthesise your insights right away before your memory fades. And because time is always tight, we'll share a quick and simple format so you can get back to other work.
blog.zeroblockers.com
December 17, 2024 at 9:43 AM
A structured approach to documenting insights not only makes your write-ups clearer - you end up with better context for each step in their journey.
Check out the full article for more info: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-document-research-interviews
Check out the full article for more info: https://blog.zeroblockers.com/p/how-to-document-research-interviews
Wait - five categories of insights - what if we didn't ask questions covering all of these areas?
Don't worry if you're missing insights for some categories. Leaving sections blank is WAY better than making assumptions.
Bad assumptions = bad product decisions! 7/8
Don't worry if you're missing insights for some categories. Leaving sections blank is WAY better than making assumptions.
Bad assumptions = bad product decisions! 7/8
December 17, 2024 at 9:43 AM
Wait - five categories of insights - what if we didn't ask questions covering all of these areas?
Don't worry if you're missing insights for some categories. Leaving sections blank is WAY better than making assumptions.
Bad assumptions = bad product decisions! 7/8
Don't worry if you're missing insights for some categories. Leaving sections blank is WAY better than making assumptions.
Bad assumptions = bad product decisions! 7/8
We can also add a fifth insights category: Trade offs.
What compromises are they making?
What are they willing to give up to solve their problem?
This reveals their true priorities. 6/8
What compromises are they making?
What are they willing to give up to solve their problem?
This reveals their true priorities. 6/8
December 17, 2024 at 8:32 AM
We can also add a fifth insights category: Trade offs.
What compromises are they making?
What are they willing to give up to solve their problem?
This reveals their true priorities. 6/8
What compromises are they making?
What are they willing to give up to solve their problem?
This reveals their true priorities. 6/8
Push forces: What they don't like about their current approach
Pull forces: Capture what's attracting them to new solutions
Habit forces: Note what keeps them using their current approach
Anxiety forces: Record their fears about changing
These help understand the motivations behind actions
5/8
Pull forces: Capture what's attracting them to new solutions
Habit forces: Note what keeps them using their current approach
Anxiety forces: Record their fears about changing
These help understand the motivations behind actions
5/8
December 17, 2024 at 8:31 AM
Push forces: What they don't like about their current approach
Pull forces: Capture what's attracting them to new solutions
Habit forces: Note what keeps them using their current approach
Anxiety forces: Record their fears about changing
These help understand the motivations behind actions
5/8
Pull forces: Capture what's attracting them to new solutions
Habit forces: Note what keeps them using their current approach
Anxiety forces: Record their fears about changing
These help understand the motivations behind actions
5/8
When running interviews we should ask questions around the jobs-to-be-done emotional forces that drive decisions: push, pull, habit and anxiety.
Structuring your insights using these forces gives clear categories to document against. 4/8
Structuring your insights using these forces gives clear categories to document against. 4/8
December 17, 2024 at 8:31 AM
When running interviews we should ask questions around the jobs-to-be-done emotional forces that drive decisions: push, pull, habit and anxiety.
Structuring your insights using these forces gives clear categories to document against. 4/8
Structuring your insights using these forces gives clear categories to document against. 4/8