Best Practices for Storing Your UX Research Data Safely and Securely

Effective user experience (UX) research requires thorough documentation and secure storage of all collected data. The right system can dramatically enhance your ability to analyze, retrieve, and utilize this invaluable information. In this article, we'll explore various strategies and tools for storing UX research data, including centralized cloud-based solutions, on-premises systems, and the latest best practices.

Centralized Cloud-Based Repository

For many organizations, a cloud-based data management system serves as the ideal solution for storing UX research data. These systems offer inherent security features, scalability, and ease of access. One such platform that stands out is Aurelius, co-founded by the author of this piece. Aurelius functions as a user research data repository where you can catalog, tag, and share insights gathered from various UX research activities.

To learn more about creating a system of research 'nuggets' (key insights) similar to those used by WeWork’s Polaris, you can refer to the Aurelius blog. This approach helps researchers organize and leverage their findings effectively.

SQL Server and Mirroring Solutions

Alternative solutions exist for those who prefer more hands-on control over their data. One such option is using SQL Server and implementing mirroring between two data servers. Mirroring provides a clean and robust failover solution, ensuring zero loss of data and a minimal recovery time. By enabling a two-phase commit operation, you ensure the safety and integrity of your data.

Mirroring is particularly useful in situations where data integrity and availability are paramount. It aligns with the requirement to maintain participant confidentiality, which is a key aspect of many UX research projects. The use of mirroring allows for a more resilient database environment, even in the event of a primary server failure.

It Depends – Contextual Considerations

The choice of how to store your UX research data often depends on several contextual factors:

Data Sensitivity: Highly sensitive data may require more stringent security measures, such as on-premises storage with strict access controls. Industry Regulations: Depending on the industry, there may be specific compliance requirements, such as HIPAA for healthcare or FERPA for education. Organizational Policies: Internal policies and procedures should also influence your choice, ensuring consistency and adherence throughout the organization. Participant Consent Forms: Your participant consent forms should dictate the level of security and transparency required for storing and sharing collected data.

As a cautious default, many researchers recommend storing data locally until the end of the research project, after which it can be archived. This approach maintains participant confidentiality and ensures data integrity is not compromised by potential cloud-based storage issues.

Choosing the Right Provider

If you opt for a SaaS or cloud-based provider, it is crucial to thoroughly review their Terms of Service (ToS) and understand how they handle data storage. Compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards is essential. Providers like Aurelius offer transparent and robust solutions that can help you meet these requirements.

Ultimately, the choice of storing your UX research data depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you opt for a cloud-based solution or a more traditional on-premises system, the key is to prioritize security, accessibility, and compliance with industry standards.

In conclusion, the storage of UX research data is a critical aspect of any UX project. By leveraging the right tools and following best practices, you can ensure that your valuable insights are protected and readily available for future use.