The secret problem creators face

No matter how user-centered a creator is, they interject some amount of bias when conducting and interpreting the research they use to inform what they build.

Any flaws in understanding the needs and goals of the user will be reflected in the design of the product.

The same people studied to inform the product’s design also use it. The biases introduced in the process, which shape the design, subtly alter how users solve their needs and achieve their goals through the product.

After creating the initial product, the creator observes how people use it to inform further development, and the process repeats itself.

The creator, product, and user are caught in a reciprocating cycle that changes the way humans interact.

There is no right or wrong way to design that remains constant.

Of course, there are ways to limit the harmful aspects of this effect. In my last article, I wrote about how to get started with UX research and avoid interjecting bias when observing and interviewing users.

In future articles, I’ll outline helpful approaches to visualize research findings that present a more accurate picture. Stay tuned!