Shaping the Next Era of UX Research: Collaborative Forum
Summary
In this session, we’re not just discussing UX Research as it is—but would it could be. Taylor Klassman, Director of UX Research at Dscout, will lead an interactive exploration of bold “What If?” scenarios that challenge assumptions and open new possibilities for the future of our field. Framed around the Four Pillars of Controlling Our Destiny—Purpose, People, Process, and Progress, this session will tackle the evolving role of research amidst shifting budgets, AI-driven automation, and the increasing speed of decision-making. Through engaging discussions and Miro usage, we’ll explore how UX researchers can adapt to external forces or take control of our future.
Key Insights
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UX research currently lives in tension between AI optimism and skepticism, reflecting deep uncertainty about automation's role.
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Perceived value of research fluctuates; some feel devalued while others, like Robert, emphasize relational power to amplify impact.
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Job market insecurity contrasts with investments in research operations maturation, creating complex career dynamics.
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Scientific rigor often clashes with corporate decision-making realities, calling for adaptive research processes, as discussed by Julie and Kristen.
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Remote environments challenge traditional methods of stakeholder engagement and relationship-building, reducing immersive experiences.
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Visualizing research impact as an evolving story rather than static metrics (like CSAT) can better communicate progress over time.
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The UX field is expanding and blending with other disciplines, causing identity tensions and pushback on role boundaries.
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Democratizing research as a business skill can be beneficial but requires experts to maintain rigor and questionable findings.
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Long game tactics, such as Trojan horse research, help practitioners create meaningful impact within organizational constraints.
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Technology and design choices reflect embedded worldviews; UX professionals hold power to influence these decisions toward inclusivity.
Notable Quotes
"We have these four pillars—purpose, people, process, and progress—that ground our thinking about UX research's future."
"AI-driven results are often 30 to 50 percent hallucinogenic—meaning not real—so we need to be cautious about overreliance."
"Our truth is no longer singular; transparency and comprehensive storytelling are more important than ever in research."
"In a remote environment, building authentic, deep relationships with stakeholders is a key skill for researchers."
"Sometimes we have to do a bait and switch—meet organizational demands but turn that into opportunities to learn."
"Democratizing research is okay as long as we remain experts in rigorous methods and question questionable research kindly."
"We often adapt within imperfect systems rather than fight them outright, aiming for longer-term change."
"Impact of research is not always immediate or linear; it can be a long-term, complex process to measure."
"The UX field's expansion leads to pushback—people ask why researchers talk about areas owned by others like OCM."
"Technology is a series of choices designers and technologists make, often small but impactful; we must demand better choices that work for all of us."
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