The “design research framework” and user research framework are the first two keywords that have appeared in Google’s Search Console for this project. It is important to understand the differences between these two concepts. I’ll take that as a signal to clarify, it may even spur me to edit so the existing work.
When discussing terms such as “UX research,” “User Experience Research,” and “user research,” it is evident that they are often used interchangeably. However, I personally believe that the term “UX” suffers from the same reasons why I avoid using it as something tangible, like the term “UX design.”
“User Research” is Misguided
In my opinion, there is no such thing as “UX design” because it is not objective. We can create, build, show, and say things, but the experience is subjective and owned by the audience. They have the ability to change, interact, and shape their own experience. As creators, we cannot take that away from them.
Therefore, I don’t believe in the concept of “user experience research.” Similarly, in the field of psychology, we cannot objectively observe what goes on inside someone’s mind. We can only observe their behaviors, make assessments, judgments, and interact with them. Defining their experience objectively is not possible.
Experience is subjective and held by the individual who has it. It is a nuanced and philosophical difference, but a critical one. Only the person themselves can have authority over their own experience.
Observing Behaviors and Understanding People
When comparing design research and UX research, it is important to note that we cannot “do” UX research or user experience research. We can only observe behaviors. The term “user research framework” came up, which may suggest a more objective approach by focusing on observing the user. However, I believe this dehumanizes them. Our goal is not to manipulate humans into any identity; rather, we seek to understand people so that we can create things that they will appreciate and improve their lives.
Creating Useful and Delightful Designs
Observing behaviors can lead to important insights that influence design work, but our ultimate goal is to solve problems and create meaningful designs. We should use terminologies that reflect the humanity of individuals, rather than dehumanizing them by referring to them as “users.”
In conclusion, the objective is to create something useful, delightful, and memorable. This is a result of our creativity, design, and ingenuity. Hence, I prefer the term “design research” over terms like “user experience research” or “UX research” because it focuses on the tangible and objective nature of our work. We examine data and information to arrive at evidential findings. Attempting to objectively observe someone’s mind is fruitless, but we can analyze their behaviors, interactions, and words to make inferences. Our focus should be on what we can make and build, which is the essence of design.
I am open to discussing and debating the nuanced philosophical differences in this matter and definitely down for hearing how others think or feel about what I’m getting at here.
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