Which type of data is collected through quantitative research?

Quantitative research is focused on collecting numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. This type of research allows designers and researchers to measure and quantify user behaviors, preferences, and trends through methods such as surveys, experiments, and analytics. Numerical data collected through counting provides a clear, objective foundation for understanding aspects such as user demographics, usage frequency, and task completion times.

In contrast, measured opinions and feelings pertain more to qualitative data, which emphasizes understanding the underlying motivations and emotions of users. Descriptive narratives of user experiences also fall into the qualitative realm, as they aim to capture the richness of individual experiences rather than quantifiable metrics. Lastly, visual representations of user activities, like infographics or heatmaps, serve as tools for illustration but do not inherently collect numerical data in themselves. Thus, the essence of quantitative research lies in its ability to provide concrete numerical insights that drive decision-making in user-centered design.