This workshop will provide an introduction to Critical UX and some of the most foundational methodologies used in UX research, with the goal of participants being able to conduct needs analyses to match UX methodology to project or design stage, and think about how to use UX and user research as a way to create just, equitable, accessible, human-centered and anti-racist systems and products. This workshop will cover the following, with a focus on hands-on exercises and discussion:
- An introduction to the most foundational UX methodologies, such as usability testing, user interviews and focus groups
- Considerations and best practices for when and how to incorporate user research into your design project
- A discussion of the ways in which technology can cause and replicate harm, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and brainstorming strategies and considerations for harm reduction and creating systems of belonging in technology
- Some discussion of philosophical and theoretical frameworks like critical theory, reparative justice and restorative design
- Tools used in in-person and remote user research and product testing
- Resources to continue to critically interrogate our work as designers and developers
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- think critically about their work as UX researchers and designers and the role they can play to disrupt assumptions about the design and development process.
- use different theoretical frameworks alongside common UX research methods to minimize bias and harm.
- apply a justice- and equity-focused lens to the interpretation of UX research data and findings and help design teams to think critically about how they interpret data into empathetic and human-centered interfaces and systems.
