Holy Shift! Learnings in UX Research over the years
at Mentorship Launch
Type
talk
The speaker quotes Tricia Wang's 2019 keynote to argue that UX researchers should move from methodology toward discovery and business partnership. The speaker cites Monty Hammontree's article for expanding research from specialists learning on behalf of many to empowering everyone to learn. The speaker uses the World Economic Forum's figures to frame reskilling as an industry-wide need. The speaker presents Tim Brown's T-shaped skill set as breadth across many capabilities combined with depth in one area. The speaker recommends learning inclusive research alongside technical and soft skills. The speaker recommends online education and names LinkedIn Learning as one source for developing soft skills.
People
Shrut Kirti Saksena
Methods
User InterviewsUser interviews explore people’s circumstances, experiences and needs through a guided conversation. Use them when you need to understand a problem in depth or learn how a service fits into someone’s life. Recruit current or likely users, prepare open questions and possible follow-ups, and ask for concrete examples rather than idealised accounts. Start with consent, listen carefully, and allow useful unexpected topics to emerge. A discussion guide keeps the research focused without turning it into a rigid questionnaire. Interviews can accompany usability tests when you also need to observe people using a service.
Inclusive DesignInclusive design identifies who an experience excludes and involves people with different abilities and perspectives in shaping it. Start by examining assumptions and mismatches between a person and the product or environment. Work with people who experience those barriers, then explore solutions that address their needs and may benefit others. Use this approach throughout product and service development, including decisions about interaction, communication and participation. Revisit whose perspectives are missing as the design evolves.
Insight SynthesisTurning raw notes, clips and data into shared findings — affinity mapping, themes, opportunity areas — so research informs decisions rather than sitting unused.