Summary
We empathize and deeply understand our products’ end users, but do we understand our colleagues and stakeholders to the same level, as they are users of our insights? In this session, we’ll discuss how changing our mindset and better understanding our colleagues can unlock a path to research acceleration.
Key Insights
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Stakeholder involvement is crucial from the start to ensure project success.
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There's a significant difference between findings (observations) and insights (deep understanding) that impact decisions.
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People tend to react defensively to information that contradicts their beliefs, akin to physical threats.
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It's essential to consider how different stakeholders might react to the information to tailor communication effectively.
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Reports should not be the only way to communicate research; alternative formats like workshops and visual storytelling may be more effective.
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Empathy in UX research cannot be effectively conveyed through reports alone; engaging the audience is key.
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Disconfirmation bias leads people to challenge information that contradicts their beliefs, while confirmation bias leads them to accept information that aligns with their views.
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Storytelling can significantly enhance audience engagement and information retention in a presentation context.
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Different outputs are needed depending on whether the goal is to share findings quickly or develop a deeper understanding of user challenges.
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Creative approaches such as workshops, cartoons, or videos can facilitate better empathy and understanding among stakeholders.
Notable Quotes
"I work with customers to help them achieve their research goals and up-level within their organization."
"We often do stakeholder mapping at the beginning of a project, but how often do we consider this on the back end?"
"Findings are often just observations, while insights offer deeper understanding and challenge our preconceived notions."
"When presented with facts that challenge strong beliefs, the brain reacts similarly to physical threats."
"We’re selectively skeptical; we challenge things based on what we want to believe."
"Empathy doesn't come from reading a report; it needs to be experienced."
"When our bathroom scales deliver bad news, we hop on and off again, trying to make sure we didn't misread it."
"Not all learnings we share lead to crucial conversations, but many do, and we need to navigate those effectively."
"When sharing insights, we must consider the context and emotions of our stakeholders."
"Using storytelling helps gain attention and build empathy in presenting research findings."
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