Summary
We've all heard about the trends around democratizing research, but less about how to do it in a sustainable way that fits our unique business models and environments. This session will cover critical considerations and strategies based on experience and case studies around how and when it is is appropriate to consider enabling and empowering non-researchers to gather insights and best practices on how to create process, training, and tools that drive success.
Key Insights
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Organizations must assess their readiness before undertaking research democratization.
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Differentiating roles and responsibilities within research is crucial for successful implementation.
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Non-researchers can significantly contribute to user insights but need guidance and structure.
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Research operations management plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting research democratization efforts.
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Establishing a clear measurement strategy and KPIs is essential for tracking the impact of research efforts.
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Cultural buy-in is necessary to create a groundswell of support for user research initiatives.
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Training and continuous development are vital for empowering non-researchers in the research process.
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Creating a centralized repository for insights promotes knowledge sharing across the organization.
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Effective communication of findings is key to ensuring research informs decision-making.
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An integrated push and pull communication strategy enhances engagement with research insights.
Notable Quotes
"Democratizing research isn't something you can just pull off without cultural buy-in."
"Companies that succeed at democratizing research typically start from a reactive stage."
"There’s no one order you have to follow to begin democratization."
"Successful teams have dedicated individuals managing research operations."
"Non-researchers can play an essential role by contributing to insights gathering."
"It's important to ensure you’re not just doing research for its own sake."
"A well-defined research roadmap helps in executing insights-driven projects."
"Training must evolve as new research methods become available."
"The battle of great UX is effectively communicating what you've learned."
"Reports aren't always necessary for insights; findings can be documented in design documentation."
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