Summary
Most efforts at advancing research to be more inclusive focus on methods or methodologies or participation. Though helpful, those efforts have unfortunately not been sufficient for inclusion and we continue to be constrained by stronger forces which go to the root of what research means and the definition of inclusion. To be fully unconstrained and reach true inclusion we must learn to let go. Do we have the ability to do that? Let's talk about that. Join us for a half-hour of becoming undone, joyfully.
Key Insights
-
•
Diversity alone does not ensure inclusion in research; understanding identity is key.
-
•
Historical and cultural contexts influence perceptions of inclusion and power dynamics.
-
•
Colonial legacies impact contemporary methodologies and knowledge production.
-
•
Relational knowledge is vital; it arises from community interactions rather than objectification.
-
•
Effective methodologies can emerge from community practices and wisdom rather than traditional research methods.
-
•
Transgenerational trauma shapes community perceptions and responses to research efforts.
-
•
Awareness does not always lead to action; systemic change requires deeper engagement.
-
•
Communities hold inherent knowledge that can inform methodologies for positive change.
-
•
Participatory research fosters equality among researchers and community members.
-
•
Letting go of traditional power dynamics can empower communities in the research process.
Notable Quotes
"These were words spoken about me."
"There's something beyond diversity at the roots of inclusion."
"Colonial ways of being will never produce emancipatory ways of doing."
"Knowledge emerges in the midst of a relationship."
"Songs are part of our ways of being."
"You see, for us, knowledge is relational, not objectified."
"We could go to places and see all these wealth of methods."
"The expertise in the wisdom lies in the community."
"Our skills of research sit equal to all community members' talents and abilities."
"Will you learn to let go? Better yet, will you let go?"
















More Videos

"It feels more interactive, more engaging, and involves sharing the pen and paper with participants."
Nidhi Singh Rathore Amber DavisEmbracing participation to unlock deeper truths in commercial research
March 12, 2025

"It's a privilege to have a seat at the table, but it's crucial to ensure that other voices are heard."
Dantley DavisLeadership & Diversity—A Fireside Chat with Dantley Davis
September 17, 2020

"Doing user research with users with disabilities is very different than doing research with people with disabilities."
Sheri Byrne-HaberThe Importance of Accessible Design Systems
January 8, 2024

"Let’s embrace machine intelligence as a tool for exploration rather than an answer machine."
Josh Clark Veronika KindredSentient Design, AI, and the Radically Adaptive Experience (1st of 3 seminars)
January 15, 2025

"Good time zone everyone."
Asia HoePartnering with Product: A Journey from Junior to Senior Design
November 29, 2023

"Let's dig in."
Alana WashingtonTheme 3 Intro
October 1, 2021

"Uncoupling theory involves identity and how one defines oneself and is defined by others."
Nalini KotamrajuResearch After UX
March 25, 2024

"Sometimes teams shut down curious inquiries from other departments."
Kevin BethuneGatekeepers and Servant Leadership
January 30, 2020

"We're looking for points of view on design ops fundamentals, how it's practiced, and how your team operates."
John Calhoun Rachel PosmanBring your DesignOps Story to Life! The Definitive DesignOps Book Jam
October 3, 2023