Industry junctures: Paths forwards for UXR and the critical decisions that get us there [Advancing Research Community Workshop Series]

Key Insights

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  The UX research field is at a pivotal moment involving the biggest power dynamic shift researchers will experience in their careers.

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  Traditional expert authority in research is eroding due to cultural distrust and democratization of knowledge.

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  Research participants increasingly demand to be treated as equal collaborators, not just data sources.

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  Community-centered design focuses on centering lived experience and redistributing decision-making power.

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  Framing power in terms of possibility rather than solely oppression encourages collaboration and resource sharing.

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  Trauma-informed research practices are crucial but often overlooked in commercial UX projects.

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  Practical power-shifting tools include inclusive problem framing, plain language use, and co-facilitation.

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  Scheduling and participation structures often reinforce power imbalances, especially in public service research.

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  Reimagining research compensation as reciprocal exchange broadens meaningful participant engagement.

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  Research is an ongoing, living process that should include transferring skills to communities for sustained impact.

Notable Quotes