When UX Research and Institutional Racism Collide: A Case Study

Key Insights

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  Usability in marginalized communities must consider historical trauma and distrust beyond standard metrics like time or error rate.

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  Clinical trial registries underrepresent Black and Hispanic Latino participants despite higher Alzheimer’s incidence.

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  Questions about race on forms can spark skepticism and suspicion due to historical abuses and systemic racism.

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  Showing diverse leadership on organizational about pages significantly boosts trust for participants.

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  Users evaluate organizations through leadership representation and background checks, not just website content.

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  Financial incentives for clinical trials are a valid motivator and sign of respect, especially for marginalized populations.

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  Designing for equity requires expanding the researcher’s role beyond checking usability boxes to confronting systemic issues.

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  Participant storytelling helps counter biased assumptions about motivations like altruism versus payment.

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  Building digital relationships with communities harmed by systemic racism requires transparency and reciprocity.

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  Researchers must be willing to take risks and be bold to advocate for equity despite client or stakeholder discomfort.

Notable Quotes