Shifting dynamics: The evolving relationship between researchers, participants, and organizational systems
Summary
Trust in traditional expertise is waning, while collaborative, networked models of knowledge creation and impact are emerging. Focus is shifting toward inclusivity and equity, as a reimagined relationship between researchers, participants, and organizations emerges. These changes in turn reflect broader cultural shifts. This session explores the context and drivers of these evolutions, highlighting the most significant changes in research for a generation that researchers need to prepare for.
Key Insights
-
•
Researchers must shift from solely producing knowledge to building relational power to increase influence.
-
•
Participant experiences are increasingly characterized by vulnerability, emotional isolation, and mistrust of authority.
-
•
Social media and digital platforms contribute to fragmentation of truth and polarized information bubbles.
-
•
Research is inherently political and navigating multiple agendas is essential for impact.
-
•
Speaking for others is an act of power that requires humility and awareness of context.
-
•
Understanding participants requires qualitative, relational, and participatory approaches beyond surveys.
-
•
Relational power involves empathy and curiosity toward stakeholders within organizations as well as users.
-
•
Trust networks inside organizations can be mapped and leveraged to activate change collaboratively.
-
•
Pluralism and holding differences without forcing resolution is vital in today’s research landscape.
-
•
Researchers need to trust their relational skills internally, not just their technical expertise, to realize impact.
Notable Quotes
"No matter where you sit on the political spectrum, it was hard not to be met with suspicion and distrust at every turn."
"We are people who are chosen — our craft is to interact with other people, and that’s not what we’re seeing in the world around us."
"Research is no longer impartial; we’re navigating a changing landscape of trust."
"Speaking for others is always an act of power. It doesn’t mean we can’t do it, but we have to recognize that."
"Understanding is not a scientific process, it’s relational, personal, human, and qualitative."
"The role of research is changing from seeing participants as users to seeing them as co-authors of the story."
"Relational power requires empathy and curiosity about a wide range of stakeholders, not just the users."
"Knowledge sits on a shelf. Understanding is an active way to engage and connect people."
"We need to build reliance and connection across individuals to help balance power and build trust."
"Our value as a research community is in bridging understanding and driving change through relational power."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"There are certain hushed reverberations ringing through systems thinking."
Uday GajendarTheme One Intro
June 6, 2023
"The value of a design system looks different depending on if you’re a developer, designer, or stakeholder."
Dan DonaldDesign Systems as a Vehicle for Systemic Change
June 1, 2023
"Having a predictable cadence makes it way more useful for teams to contribute and benefit from rapid research."
Feleesha SterlingBuilding a Rapid Research Program
May 18, 2023
"Eye tracking lets you see the world from the point of view of another person."
Jeff Ephraim Bander Ariane Rahn Philipp ReiterEye Tracking Gamechanger: Why Smartphone Eye Tracking will Revolutionize Your UX Research
March 11, 2022
"Accessibility is now considered not just a moral necessity and a human right but a business good because accessible products are better and easier for everyone to use."
Sam ProulxUnderstanding Screen Readers on Mobile: How And Why to Learn from Native Users
June 6, 2023
"In the enterprise space, the UX function is added later. It’s not part of the company’s original DNA."
Jemma AhmedTheme 2 Intro
January 8, 2024
"Storytelling is highly effective in helping stakeholders understand the complete performance of products, including the darker sides."
Raven VealDark Metrics: Illuminating the Negative Impact of Digital Health Design
March 12, 2021
"It’s funny to talk about being a research team of one, managing five product teams, and how the repository helped focus research."
Nicole Wright Ned DwyerDemocratizing Research at HoneyBook
March 9, 2022
"I feel like I helped to create the environment that that came from, so I certainly have responsibility."
Jim KalbachPeace is waged with sticky notes: Mapping Real-World Experiences
June 14, 2018
