Summary
Over the past 25 years, Steve Portigal has seen tremendous growth in user research as a community of practice, as an industry, and as a career. Steve will look at some of the changes that he’s experienced and observed—positive, negative, or otherwise. He’ll share some of the potentially overlooked opportunities to advance our field, issues that demand our limited attention and concern. He’ll also share his perspective on the directions we can drive towards.
Key Insights
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The history of user research helps inform current practices and future directions.
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User research has evolved significantly over the last 10 years, but the core principles remain vital.
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Historical milestones, like IDEA's shopping cart project, marked significant shifts in perception and practice of user research.
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Witnessing trends such as the shift from consultancy to in-house user research roles demonstrates changing needs in organizations.
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The emergence of terms like PWDR (people who do research) highlights evolving roles within the research community.
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Technology, especially AI, is reshaping user research processes and may impact job markets.
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Maintaining quality in research amidst an increasing acceptance of 'good enough' standards is a concern.
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Community and collaboration are essential for navigating the complexities of user research today.
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The future of user research may involve more public and democratized access to insights.
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Understanding the impact of corporate culture on research practices is critical for researchers today.
Notable Quotes
"The past doesn't repeat itself, it rhymes."
"To understand the present, we have to understand how we got here."
"We all stand on the shoulders of giants."
"If we can carry any of the stories from the past forward into the future, that can only serve us well."
"It's a complex system, and there are factors that complicate our understanding of who does research."
"Research can identify underserved communities or advocate for change."
"We are the ones who can highlight inequity and inform better practices."
"The future of user research is not just about profit and growth; it's about making a better world."
"The future is a collective endeavor, and good things happen in community."
"Just because we face uncertainty doesn't mean we should despair; curiosity is also on the table."
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