The budget squeeze

This year, there have been major shifts as a result of changing economic circumstances. Budgets are tighter or they have been frozen. Teams continue to experience layoffs, workforce reductions and restructurings. Still, the demand for research is there, and teams are being asked to do more with less.

Integrating user research into your digital strategy

UX researchers have their seat at the table. They’re getting more and more integrated in product and design conversations and business decisions. With that, some UX managers are aiming to help their teams adopt an MBA mindset to help translate business goals and values into UX measures. Many UX teams don’t articulate how their research can support and contribute to business objectives, and in a changing economy like this one, showing your ROI and tracking research KPIs against your overall business goals is critical. Think about what metrics will help show your value to the business and begin viewing them through that lens.

Inclusive research is top of mind

Just a year ago, inclusive research was practically nonexistent and only a few of our clients and agency teams were talking with us about ways they could bring this into focus. Now, we’re hearing requests for it across the board. Many UX leaders are putting an even larger focus on inclusive research and design year after year, and especially as they head into 2024 planning. Some are even pushing for a faster return to in-person research to help aid the process—reaching lower tech communities who struggle with remote sessions or recruiting niche audiences who can be tricky to find without going into specific communities.

The talk of the town: AI

Yes, everyone is talking about AI, but what does it mean for your business? People are experimenting with how it will change the research process, evaluating whether AI will be brought into user research methodologies, and exploring what impact it can have on products and services to build a better user experience. In reality, most brands are still figuring it out as they go.