Reflections (User Research Smoke & Mirrors)

After going through the article, “Smoke & Mirrors”, I think I have a better understanding how certain company, like design firms, works. Most of the concepts discussed in this article, has already been covered in this module, thus, I am able to have a better or clear understanding of the concepts being discussed.

There are certain viewpoints that I feel are quite true in nature. For example, it is stated that many web designers & consultancies tried to make “scientific” user research, but in actual fact, many tend to pretend that they did use some of the research method. I feel that this is quite a relevant point as I have personally encountered it before when I was working part-time in a company. Although the company did conduct some research, there are times when they pretend that they did do some marketing research, where actually not.

Besides that, I agree that it is very hard to keep a balance between “Design & Science”. Misinterpretations of research data for the “Design”, if one interpret according in the “Science” context. Thus, one can’t map research directly to design as design is usually an emergent activity in nature. Misinterpretations can be avoided if the research data us interpreted by people with the appropriate skills in that area of field; design skills in this context.

Another point that I agree with is that, even if a designer is able to have good suggestions for the design, he/she must be able to gain the support or trust from the superiors/boss to acknowledge his/her expertise. If this is achieved, then the designer must be able to explain the user interface design strategy to stakeholders, peers, and bosses effectively, so that the strategy or plans could be carried out efficiently.

Last but not least, although expertise of a designer is required, and the cooperation with the boss or superiors is essential, the contributing factor is still the research upon the customer or users’ experiences.

Although the viewpoints discussed are well supported with relevant evidences or examples, I personally feel that some of them are only true to a certain extent or to very specific situations.

To sum up, I personally feel that there is a need to conduct user experience research, either in terms of “scientific” or in “design” concepts. There should exist a trust among the developers and the users; such as the report should only reflect those research methods being conducted. And like any other areas of jobs, the developers or designers should be an expertise in his/her field, so as to portray “professionalism” and to feel proud of what he/she has developed. Maybe someone may think that I am out of mind or my views are too unrealistic, but I personally feel that everyone should take pride in their work. This way, we will be able to build trust among our colleagues or even a strong bond with the customers.