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Desk Research: Literature review

Collect existing information and background on a topic, users, or market.

What it is

Main objective

Collect existing information and background on a topic, users, or market.

Detailed description

Literature Review is a secondary research methodology that collects, analyzes, and synthesizes existing knowledge about a specific domain, users, or market before initiating primary research. This technique allows identifying patterns, trends, knowledge gaps, and best practices reported in previous studies, academic papers, industry reports, and specialized databases. Academic research demonstrates its value for grounding hypotheses and optimizing research resources (Interaction Design Foundation). It is essential for establishing a knowledge baseline and avoiding duplication of research efforts already completed.

When it fits

Initial stages (discovery/exploration) to understand domain and background.

•Research start
•Hypothesis validation
•Domain understanding
•Decision justification

Effort level

Low to Medium

Recommended number of users

Not directly applicable (documentary sources)

What you gain and what you give up

Advantages

Efficiency: The knowledge already exists; finding it is relatively easy and inexpensive compared to recruiting and interviewing users.
Avoids redundancy: It prevents wasting resources researching something that has already been resolved.
Rigor: It gives the project a solid foundation and credibility by showing that prior theories and findings are known.
Refining the problem: It helps move from a vague idea ("topics that cause concern") to a bounded, viable research problem.

Disadvantages

Credibility of the sources: Assessing the accuracy and quality of the information is the hard part ("Are all polar bears really left-handed?").
Publication bias: The literature may reflect only successful studies or dominant perspectives, ignoring negative results or marginal viewpoints.
Becoming outdated: In fast-moving technology fields (like UX), academic literature can lag behind industry practice.
Information overload: The volume of available information can be overwhelming if the right filters are not applied.