How to Conduct Inclusive UX Research
Guiding Principles for Research Directors and Designers
“I believe that creativity and inclusion are two sides of the same coin… They’re necessary things. If you care about design, you have to care about inclusion.”
— John Maeda
Conduct user research with a diverse group of participants.
It is important to ensure that the user research process includes a diverse group of participants, including individuals from different age groups, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This can help to identify any potential biases in the design process and ensure that the final product is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of users.
Use inclusive language.
Language has the power to shape how we think about and interact with the world. It is important to use inclusive language in user experience design to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and biases. This includes using gender-neutral language and avoiding language that is ableist, ageist, or racist.
Consider accessibility.
Accessibility is an important consideration in user experience design, as it ensures that the product is accessible to users with disabilities, older users, blind or visually impaired users, and people with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. It is important to consider accessibility from the beginning of the design process, as it is often more difficult and costly to retrofit accessibility features later on.
Use diverse images, colors, and visuals.
The images and visuals used in user experience design can have a powerful impact on how users perceive the product. It is important to use diverse images, colors, and visuals to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and to ensure that the product is inclusive and representative of a wide range of users.
Be aware of cultural differences.
Cultural differences can have a significant impact on how users perceive and interact with a product. It is important to be aware of these differences and to consider how the product will be used in different cultural contexts.
Consider the needs of marginalized groups.
It is important to consider the needs of marginalized groups, such as individuals with disabilities, when designing a user experience. This means seeking out ways to meet the needs of specific groups to increase accessibility for these groups.
Test the product with a diverse group of users.
It is important to test the product with a diverse group of users to identify any potential biases or issues that may not have been identified during the design process.
Encourage diversity and inclusivity in the design team.
A diverse and inclusive design team is more likely to identify and address biases in the design process. It is important to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the design team to ensure that the final product is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of users.
Continuously iterate the design.
It is important to iterate any design in order to identify and address any potential biases or barriers over time. This includes gathering ongoing feedback from users, continuously analyzing data, and staying up-to-date on best practices in inclusive design. This ensures the design adapts over time instead of reaching a perceived state of perfection.
