Theme 3 Intro
Summary
The session opens by reflecting on the evolution of UX research practice, emphasizing the need to retain fundamental research principles while adapting to new methods and societal changes. Chris and Gemma set the broader context around human insights and reflective practices shaping the field. Misha Aela introduces concept testing as an often underappreciated but valuable step in research, framing it as a mini-workshop. Mark and Tony discuss the challenges and opportunities of usability testing in real-world, interrupted environments, bringing nuance to traditional approaches. Amanda and Lee highlight the importance and complexities of conducting UX research with older adults, a group frequently neglected but rich with learnings. Paula focuses on enhancing legacy software experiences through research, underscoring the human-centered perspective. The talk also previews fireside chats with Oleda Samson from Capital One and Mike Kraken, promising engaging conversations about the future of research practice. The organizer thanks collaborators Chris, Gemma, Lou, and the Rosalph Go Media team, underlining the collaborative spirit behind advancing the UX research field.
Key Insights
-
•
Advancing UX research requires balancing foundational principles with evolving, inclusive methods.
-
•
Concept testing is an underused but powerful tool to refine ideas early and align teams.
-
•
Usability testing in real-life interrupted contexts reveals more authentic user behavior.
-
•
Researching older adults uncovers unique UX challenges and opportunities often overlooked.
-
•
Legacy software can be improved through targeted research focused on human experience.
-
•
Broader human insights help expand UX practice both outwardly to users and inwardly to researchers.
-
•
Democratizing research in organizations raises key questions about who should conduct research.
-
•
Inclusion and representation are essential for socially relevant and novel UX research.
-
•
Collaborations and partnerships enrich research approaches and outcomes.
-
•
Fireside conversations with industry leaders provide forward-looking perspectives on research evolution.
Notable Quotes
"Research now is all around us and every part of what we do in modern organizations is touched by research."
"What does it really mean to advance our practice? What should we hold on to and what should we let go of?"
"Concept testing is almost like a mini workshop focusing on the value and benefits of that method."
"We need to evolve how we work while sticking to the very pillars that define good research."
"Who’s responsible for research, who’s doing it, and who needs to do more are really important questions."
"Supporting older adults in UX research reveals a community that is often undervalued and underlooked."
"Improving the legacy of the software experience requires focusing on research and the human experience."
"Inclusion and representation help us be both socially relevant and novel in our work."
"I couldn’t be happier to be part of this conference and to advance the practice together."
"Get your questions ready, as we have some great conversations ahead today."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Miles Davis gave the musicians the music as they entered the studio, and most first takes were the final ones."
Jim KalbachJazz Improvisation as a Model for Team Collaboration
November 6, 2017
"Writing a book is awful in terms of time, sweat, and time away from your loved ones, but it’s an amazing gift to dig deep into something you care about."
Louis RosenfeldCoffee with Lou: Should You Write a (UX) Book?
March 7, 2024
"I kind of think of it one as like fields of influence — staff influences the team or pillar, principal influences organization-wide."
Catt Small Micah Bennett Brian Carr Jessica HarlleeWhat's Next for ICs: Exploring Staff and Principal Designer Roles
February 22, 2024
"Sharing your research skills broadly within your company can create unexpected opportunities to improve experiences."
Marieke McCloskeyUser Science: Product Analytics & User Research
March 11, 2021
"DeepFakes can look too realistic and might introduce new privacy risks if donor faces come from real people."
Llewyn Paine[Demo] Deploying AI doppelgangers to de-identify user research recordings
June 5, 2024
"If you cannot remove a treatment, it may not be a true cause."
Joshua NobleCasual Inference
October 6, 2023
"Stakeholders are users too; the product we’re sharing is the research and learnings for their decision-making."
Sara LogelYour Colleagues are Your Users Too
March 29, 2023
"The themes this year include transforming century-old industries, startup to enterprise, the outsider’s perspective, and partnering to transform."
Bria Alexander Louis RosenfeldWelcome
January 8, 2024
"Consistency is so important that sometimes even consistency in failure works if it means I only have to learn the workaround once."
Sam ProulxOnline Shopping: Designing an Accessible Experience
June 7, 2023
