UX newsletter — October 2019

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Message from the Editor

Exactly 30 years ago, I had to make an important decision. I was doing post-doctoral research at New York University and my contract was coming to an end. Did I want to pursue a career in academia or did I want to move to a research role in industry? I remember making lots of lists with the plusses and minuses of each decision and spending way too long coming to a conclusion.

A few months after taking the leap (to the Human Factors Division at BT Labs), I wondered what all the fuss had been about. It was obviously a good idea and one that I'm still pleased I made 30 years later. But the transition wasn't all plain sailing. I discovered that "research" in the worlds of academia and business are the same in title only.

This month, Philip Hodgson and I have written an article on transitioning from academic research to business research. Because user researchers are very much in demand these days, we're noticing other academics making the change or at least considering it. If that applies to you, I hope you find it useful.

— David Travis

Transitioning from academic research to UX research

Doing UX research in a university is very different to doing UX research in a business setting. If you're an academic making the leap, what are the main differences you need to keep in mind? Read the article in full: Transitioning from academic research to UX research.

From our archives: What user researchers ought to know about informed consent

Gaining informed consent is a cornerstone of the social sciences. But it is sometimes poorly practiced by user researchers. They fail to explain consent properly. They mix up the consent form with a non-disclosure agreement. And they mix up the consent form with the incentive. Improving the way you get consent will also improve the data you collect because participants can be more open and because it makes user researchers more empathic. Read the article in full: What user researchers ought to know about informed consent.

What we’re reading

Some interesting UX-related articles that got my attention over the last month:

• The $2m prototype: "The model allowed Thomas and Wynn to test and refine every design element in the gaming area, from the lumbar support in the chairs to the chandeliers over the card tables."
• Where should UX report? 3 common models for UX teams and how to choose among them.
• A curated list of podcasts about UX research, design and accessibility.
• Apple's use and abuse of the ellipsis.
• "You don't need to prove the benefit of every design decision you take. But you're not a psychic design super-hero, so use evidence where it exists."
• UX Book of the Day: "Statistics as Principled Argument" by Robert Abelson.
• The Vandalisation of 'UX': "The beauty of the true definition of UX is its propensity to shift lenses, encourage lateral thinking and apply its transferable principles across all levels." Discuss.

Like these? Want more? View more posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The UX Tea Break

Some videos I published on YouTube last month:

• Field visits v Surveys
• Arguing the case for UX
• Desk Research v Primary Research
• What's In My Bag on a Field Visit?
• Presenting user research results

Like these? Want more? Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Upcoming UX training courses

Foundation Certificate in User Experience, Jan 21-23 2020, London.

In this fun and hands-on training course, you'll practice all the key areas of UX — from interviewing your users through to prototyping and usability testing your designs — while you prepare for and take the BCS Foundation Certificate exam. View the full syllabus: Foundation Certificate in User Experience.

UX quotation of the month

"Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful." — John Maeda.

Did I mention I've published a book?

It's titled Think Like a UX Researcher. Grab your copy here.

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