Summary
In large companies, we are seduced by OKRs, and, in general, growth. And it seems that to be "on the business side" researchers need to speak the same language, have the mindset that, to be strategic, you need to shoot for sales or growth. Although we agree that companies should have profits, for us this is a result, not a purpose. And, speaking of purpose, there is another kind of impact: research provides context and must be able to question the organization and its limits. This is the B-side of research impact.
Key Insights
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Latin American research practices should reject the idea that external methodologies are inherently superior.
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The 'Silicon Valley dream' presents an ideological barrier to authentic local practices.
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Research must be adaptable to cultural contexts; tools and methods are not universally applicable.
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Emotional responses vary significantly across cultures, impacting survey results and interaction design.
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There is a strong historical and cultural identity that Latin researchers can leverage to shape their methodologies.
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Creating local definitions of good UX research is crucial for legitimizing Latin American research.
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Researchers should question established norms and metrics that do not align with local realities.
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It's essential to introduce culturally appropriate techniques into the UX research process.
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Engaging in participatory action research can yield relevant insights tailored to Latin communities.
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Researchers must balance the adoption of best practices with the unique demands of their contexts.
Notable Quotes
"Today we are here to celebrate the power of local contexts in research."
"It's time for us to position ourselves as active participants rather than just technique catalogues."
"The Silicon Valley dream normalizes a singular approach to research that often excludes our realities."
"We need to take a stand against the ideology that dictates what good research looks like."
"Emotions are constructed by the context we come from, and so should our research."
"It’s necessary to break away from methodologies that ignore our cultural nuances."
"A good researcher in Latin America must adapt techniques to be more culturally appropriate."
"The research landscape in Latin America is rich with potential but underutilized."
"We have to push against preconceived notions about what constitutes valid research."
"Latin researchers should embrace discomfort if it leads to meaningful change."
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