Back to basics, or start from scratch?

Key Insights

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  Curiosity remains the fundamental driving force and anchor for UX researchers despite evolving industry trends.

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  The core purpose of research—to improve human experiences—has not changed, though the methods to achieve it are in flux.

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  Traditional notions of rigor in research should be balanced with creativity and a focus on craft rather than rigid methods.

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  The words impact and influence are becoming buzzwords that lack clear meaning and may hinder genuine accountability.

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  Accountability across teams is more productive than focusing solely on researchers proving impact.

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  Collaboration is often misunderstood; true collaboration requires balanced power dynamics and active engagement.

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  The UX field is disproportionately burdened with justifying its value compared to other disciplines.

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  Old recruitment methods for research participants may no longer serve us, calling for fresh approaches to combating the crisis of access.

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  The community and relational trust within research teams are critical anchors in tumultuous times.

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  Reconsidering and explicitly defining often-used terms like collaboration, rigor, and impact can improve communication and outcomes.

Notable Quotes