{"id":808177,"date":"2022-01-04T10:08:20","date_gmt":"2022-01-04T18:08:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newed.any0.dpdns.org\/en-us\/research\/?post_type=msr-blog-post&p=808177"},"modified":"2022-01-04T10:19:09","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T18:19:09","slug":"five-predictions-for-the-uxr-world-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"msr-blog-post","link":"https:\/\/newed.any0.dpdns.org\/en-us\/research\/articles\/five-predictions-for-the-uxr-world-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Five predictions for the UXR world in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Michele McDanel (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>
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Image credit: iStock<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m in the enviable position of hearing what my research colleagues are working on within my team and in other groups at the company. I\u2019m also regularly reading what other researchers are posting. This gives me a broad perspective about topics and trends in UX research. Based on those sources, here are some trends that I think are in store for the UXR discipline in the coming year.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Focus on accessibility<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Accessibility has certainly been an issue in several disciplines for the past few years, and UX research is no exception. It\u2019s part of an increased focus on user groups that have historically been under-represented, and of interest across both research and design. It\u2019s no surprise that the top post on our blog last year \u2013 by a huge margin \u2013 was <\/span>this post<\/span><\/a> about inclusive design and the need to consider users with invisible disabilities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It stands to reason that if you want to be sure that you are meeting the needs of all users, designing accessible experiences is crucial. And, if you want your research process to be inclusive, you need to make sure that your process — from screeners to the technology you use — are accessible as well. I expect accessibility will continue to be a top discussion topic and area of focus for the year.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Artificial intelligence and trust\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The increased prevalence of data breaches in the news comes hand in hand with increased public attention and concern around how data is being used and how new technologies affect people\u2019s privacy. If you\u2019re already doing work around artificial intelligence, you\u2019re aware of the trust issues that consumers have with this technology, as well as the need for transparency about how it\u2019s being used.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      We wrote a couple of posts outlining what our researchers learned in 2020 that outline common mistakes and how to address them, as well as how to build trust. If you missed them, check them out <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Connecting more deeply with customers<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Naturally, the last two years have offered numerous opportunities for researchers to refine and adapt ways to conduct research remotely, swapping face-to-face meetings for online substitutes. Remote research isn\u2019t going away, as it offers researchers several benefits, such as potentially reduced budget impact and the ability to connect with a more geographically diverse user population.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        At the same time, I see researchers wanting to gain deeper understanding. So, when you\u2019re faced with a need for digging into users\u2019 habits and though patterns, how can you connect with them remotely about their direct experience? Golden path studies are one example, which we discussed <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. Other methods that could be used include jobs to be done, which we discussed <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>; or diary studies, which can be a great way to dig deeply into questions with customers and have them answer over time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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        1. Getting to know Gen Z<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Gen Z is growing up. While the youngest of them will be turning 10 this year, the oldest are (and have been) entering the workforce. This demographic uses digital devices with ease (particularly smartphones) and grew up with the Internet. They are fundamentally different from other age groups, and in many ways, they are a microcosm of the direction the world seems to be going: They are diverse, entrepreneurial, practical, <\/span>technologically savvy<\/span> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, and value authenticity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          There\u2019s still much to learn about this group; early indications are that reaching them will pose unique challenges. I predict that interest in Gen Z will continue to heat up this year as their influence on purchases, technology, and the workplace continues to be felt.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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          1. The continued COVID hangover\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The COVID hangover is a phenomenon that\u2019s been <\/span>documented with companies and their employees<\/span> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, and UX researchers aren\u2019t immune from the stress and anxiety of the last two years.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            Users may view a research request as just one more Zoom meeting they don\u2019t want to attend, so researchers need to look for ways to recruit attractively, simplify requests, and show users an enticing or interesting benefit for participation. All the while combatting their own COVID hangovers and the <\/span>empathy fatigue<\/span> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> that UX researchers often experience.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            Research organizations will need to look for ways to address burnout in their ranks while finding ways to build community and foster wellbeing among a hybrid workforce.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            I see some common threads across these trends:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n