Summary
More and more researchers with no business or product backgrounds are in product research. In the day-to-day industry practice, we are called to march towards the same goal despite our different ways of knowing, talking, and past experiences. Failing to do so could lead to missing opportunities for innovation, reinventing the wheels, and building products that may pose risks to society. When ‘thought worlds’ collide, what can we do to better understand and support each other? This talk answers the question by taking a closer look at the differences and similarities between research and practice, and offering lessons learned about communication and collaboration within diverse product teams made up of a mix of academic and professional disciplines.
Key Insights
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The research-practice gap manifests as misaligned expectations between academia and industry.
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Different forms of research bring unique perspectives and methods that must be appreciated for effective collaboration.
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Translating complex academic findings into actionable insights is crucial for practitioners in design and UX.
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Interdisciplinary teams with diverse backgrounds lead to more innovative solutions in UX research and design.
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Understanding the different purposes of research versus practice is essential for improving communication between researchers and stakeholders.
Notable Quotes
"This talk is about being misunderstood and navigating an identity crisis."
"The research practice gap frustrates me and I try to bridge it when it makes sense to."
"The gaps are important to close for better products and a better world."
"Researchers and practitioners don’t really hang out, and that’s a problem."
"Advancing research is a matter of chance, strategy, and marketing too."
"When you see a paper that excites you, don’t hesitate to translate and share it with practitioners."
"In interdisciplinary teams, start with questions about roles, goals, and personal passions."
"Accept conflict as the norm in diverse teams and steer it into a productive debate zone."
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