Back to basics, or start from scratch?
Summary
Back to basics, or start from scratch? We’ve been bombarded with calls to reinvent, rethink, reframe, reconnect, redefine, reclaim, and even reckon with research over the past few years, and honestly, we thrive on it. But urgency, frustrations, and a rapidly changing world demand focus and action. Join Julie Norvaisas, Mina Jonsson, and Pert Eilers for an open, lively conversation about redefining purpose and value in 2025. They’re ditching abstractions in favor of action in this moment: quality, accountability, and community. Let’s get down to what truly matters. In this session, as we tie back to our conference themes of purpose and value, we’ll discuss: - Getting back to basics: How global shifts are driving a return to research fundamentals: quality, direct methods, and genuine connection. AI’s rise only amplifies this need. - Starting from scratch: We’ll challenge outdated narratives, redefine “impact” with practical techniques, and even provoke a fresh look at collaboration. Prepare to have your assumptions shaken. - Moving from “yes, and” to “yeah, but!” This isn’t a passive fireside chat. We want your “yeah, but” moments. Bring your perspectives, challenges, and even disagreements. Our goal is to create a dynamic dialogue about the future of research.
Key Insights
-
•
Curiosity remains the fundamental driving force and anchor for UX researchers despite evolving industry trends.
-
•
The core purpose of research—to improve human experiences—has not changed, though the methods to achieve it are in flux.
-
•
Traditional notions of rigor in research should be balanced with creativity and a focus on craft rather than rigid methods.
-
•
The words impact and influence are becoming buzzwords that lack clear meaning and may hinder genuine accountability.
-
•
Accountability across teams is more productive than focusing solely on researchers proving impact.
-
•
Collaboration is often misunderstood; true collaboration requires balanced power dynamics and active engagement.
-
•
The UX field is disproportionately burdened with justifying its value compared to other disciplines.
-
•
Old recruitment methods for research participants may no longer serve us, calling for fresh approaches to combating the crisis of access.
-
•
The community and relational trust within research teams are critical anchors in tumultuous times.
-
•
Reconsidering and explicitly defining often-used terms like collaboration, rigor, and impact can improve communication and outcomes.
Notable Quotes
"I think curiosity is what brought me into this in the first place and it’s our superpower."
"The purpose of research stays the same: connecting the people creating software to the humans using it."
"Rigor doesn’t mean rigid; there needs to be some creativity allowed there too."
"Impact and influence have become buzzwords with no real meaning; we need to focus on making a difference."
"We have to be each other’s cavalry right now — leaning into things for our own and each other’s sake."
"Collaboration often feels like a mask for entering an unequal relationship with partners."
"If the smartest person in the room always takes a certain role, then it’s not a learning culture."
"It’s irresponsible to keep our heads in the sand; we can’t ignore the noise and uncertainty around us."
"We need to add context to our conversations and take some power back when asked to prove impact."
"We must be explicit about what we mean when we say collaboration or rigor to avoid vague expectations."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Prototypes were very low fidelity because too-high fidelity can intimidate participants and hinder feedback."
Alexia Cohen Adriane AckermanIncreasing Health Equity and Improving the Service Experience for Under-Served Latine Communities in Arizona
December 4, 2024
"You want to let participants know it’s a bit non-typical and they are not being tricked or evaluated."
Marc Majers Tony TurnerInterrupted UX - Add A Dose of Reality To Usability Testing
March 11, 2022
"Design thinking has helped raise awareness but often lacks the depth of design practice which requires dedicated craft."
Jorge ArangoDesign as an Antidote to VUCA
May 9, 2019
"Psychological safety is far and away the key ingredient for teams being effective."
Brenna FallonLearning Over Outcomes
October 24, 2019
"The Shakers patented clever affordances like chair buttons that let you rock without damaging wooden floors."
Daniel GloydWarming the User Experience: Lessons from America's first and most radical human-centered designers
May 9, 2024
"Avoid strictly timed interactions because they stress everyone, especially people using screen readers or with cognitive disabilities."
Sam ProulxOnline Shopping: Designing an Accessible Experience
October 3, 2023
"Personalization is not just a trend; it’s a necessity."
Kristin SkinnerFive Years of DesignOps
September 29, 2021
"When we start changing our behavior, we start changing the voices and behavior around us."
Denise Jacobs Nancy Douyon Renee Reid Lisa WelchmanInteractive Keynote: Social Change by Design
January 8, 2024
"You can send NDAs and informed consent forms directly through the platform, cutting down admin overhead."
Roberta Dombrowski Lianna Aduana5 Reasons to Bring your Recruiting in House
September 30, 2021
