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
"Our one metric that mattered was maximizing the number of VOС-tagged tickets solved – showing customer feedback made it to the roadmap."
Shipra KayanHow we Built a VoC (Voice of the Customer) Practice at Upwork from the Ground Up
September 30, 2021
"We often use radio buttons when check boxes or sliders would reveal the truth."
Peter MorvilleThe Architecture of Understanding
May 13, 2015
"Having those tough conversations with C-Suite execs, delivering findings with unwavering voice because you know the customer."
Renee ReidBecoming a ResearchH.E.R (Highly Enterprise Ready)
June 3, 2019
"The computer metaphor of mind does not do a very good job of explaining what we see people do with their bodies."
Dane DeSutterKeeping the Body in Mind: What Gestures and Embodied Actions Tell You That Users May Not
March 26, 2024
"People with disabilities often pay more to buy from stores they trust are accessible and where they feel confident."
Sam ProulxOnline Shopping: Designing an Accessible Experience
October 3, 2023
"A poor experience on a web visit isn’t out of sight, out of mind; it impacts their entire history with the brand."
Andrew Custage Michael MallettThe Digital Journey: Research on Consumer Frustration and Loyalty
March 29, 2023
"Silence is productive—resist the temptation to fill it immediately after asking a question."
Shelby SwitzerMaking Space for Community Knowledge-sharing in a Distributed World
December 10, 2021
"Prompting is a specialized skill, just like statistics or in-depth interviewing; the wrong wording can bias your results."
Llewyn PaineCoexisting with AI: A practical guide for researchers to navigate tools, ethics, and integration
March 11, 2025
"Researchers make customers visible inside the organization, but also help the organization learn about itself."
Robin BeersNavigating organizational systems: Rethinking researcher’s role in driving change
March 13, 2025
