Key Insights

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

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

• •

  Reimagining research compensation as reciprocal exchange broadens meaningful participant engagement.

• •

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

Notable Quotes