June 2024: UXperts round-up
Ditching male defaults + Co-design is dangerous + more
We want to keep in touch! Join our mailing list to receive our newsletter and/or our monthly round-up.
How data-informed design can help you navigate these turbulent times
It’s been a rough year for designers, not only because of layoffs but also because of looming fears for the future of design. Whether these fears are about AI replacing UX or UX alone is no longer enough, there has been much doom and gloom about UX’s future.
By Kai Wong at uxdesign.cc (UX Collective Editors)
Co-design is dangerous
In traditional top-down approaches, decision-makers and experts have complete control over the design process. Co-design challenges this power dynamic by involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including end-users and community members. Some may perceive this as a loss of control or a dilution of authority, which can seem risky.
By Sam Menter at macementer.com
Reducing cognitive overload: designing for human cognition
Imagine dropping someone from the 1900s into our world. The daily grind looks different, but are our brains keeping up? That’s the core challenge of modern cognitive design: how to present this information explosion without frying people’s minds.
By Marcos Rezende at uxdesign.cc (UX Collective Editors)
Choosing right: moderated vs. unmoderated usability studies
As we test products during the design phase to eliminate usability issues before the development process, we frequently run usability tests — both moderated and unmoderated. As we navigate the complexities in B2B UX research, the distinction between these methodologies becomes not just relevant, but vital.
By Cristiano Trionfera at torpedodigital.com
How to get answers quickly and avoid features that flop
I learned that one-question surveys are used to test assumptions. The benefit is that they are simple and used in the user experience. These two things lead to higher response rates than a survey via email. They’re also quick to launch and quick to collect data (if they’re put in the right place).
By Rosie Hoggmascall at uxdesign.cc (UX Collective Editors)
Don’t trick your customers with deceptive patterns
Avoiding these patterns, and focusing instead on being transparent and honest with your user base, fosters loyal and good relationships that will ultimately lead to a positive brand image and more sustainable growth.
By Beth Matthews at atomicsmash.co.uk
The power of plain speaking
Do you ever find yourself trying to read something that should be simple, but instead it feels like a cryptic crossword? We've all been there. Struggling to understand long sentences, big words, and industry jargon. It’s frustrating and usually unnecessary.
By Anna Boscoe at cxpartners.co.uk
Ditching male defaults
In 2023 the team at Oraan, a women-led fintech startup in Pakistan, was facing lower signup rates than they expected. Only 13% of women in Pakistan have a bank account, so they designed their product to be easier to use than traditional banks. Still, many women struggled to use the service, especially low-income women and first-time internet users.
By Anukriti Kedia and John Won at ideo.com
Event recap: Measuring the value of UX research at UXDX
Read the takeaways from UXDX USA 2024 in New York, a user experience event that brings together product, design, UX, CX, and engineering professionals.
By Amberlie Denny at optimalworkshop.com (Optimal Workshop)
