The B-side of the Research Impact

Key Insights

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  Many Latin American UX researchers default to applying methods created in Silicon Valley without proper contextual adaptation.

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  The so-called Silicon Valley dream promotes unrealistic expectations like fast, monetary-driven results that don't fit Latin contexts.

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  Emotions and user sentiments are culturally constructed and cannot be universally measured with the same scales.

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  Latin populations often respond to surveys with politeness-driven biases due to cultural norms of sympathy and desire to please.

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  Traditional usability testing methods based on self-expression cultures can feel unnatural for conversation-oriented Latin users.

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  Creating new, culturally grounded UX techniques is crucial for effective research in Latin America.

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  Resisting the mainstream UX norms requires embracing discomfort and providing constructive disharmony within organizations.

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  The power to influence research norms lies with minorities who inject dishonesty or dissonance into dominant paradigms.

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  Context matters not only in understanding people but also in selecting and adapting research tools and methodologies.

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  There are multiple valid definitions of what it means to be a good UX researcher, and Latin America should develop its own standards.

Notable Quotes