8 trends about design research
In the article by IDEO: 8 trends our design researchers are excited about (2017), Suzanne Gibbs Howard elaborates on a list about design research trends that I found to still be relevant today:
1. Going rogue
It’s about creating design research anywhere in the world. Digital Nomads that can work from anywhere in the world as long as there is coffee, laptop and an internet connection.
2. Smart sensors
Still early stages but might definitely help us with user experience.
3. Changes in data + privacy
Changes to data privacy in a human-centered way have changed how we do research and how the world interacts with us.
4. Testing concepts in virtual + mixed reality
Now more than ever virtual and mixed reality environments are capable of fully immerse users in an experience, get their reaction, and help them co-design (or redesign) an environment or experience on the spot using mixed reality prototypes.
5. Working alongside data science + machine learning
Data science can help us understand how our designs are being used during live prototyping and piloting. Rather than relying exclusively on self-reported behaviors and stories, we’ll be able to collect actual interaction data.
6. Neuroscience x design research
“Technology has now reached the stage where we can translate decades of neuroscience and psychological research from the lab into the city,” says neuroscientist Dr. Hugo Spiers of University College London.
7. Digital forensics x design research
Can we be the curators of our own digital print? As technology becomes a major part of our daily lives, understanding digital trails will help unlock insights into new behavior, but is there a limit? Is it predatorial if not done by us?
8. Ethics in the age of artificial intelligence
Should we be allowed to have complete freedom when it comes to ethics dealing with artificial intelligence? Not all AI models are transparent, it is spreading quite rapidly and ethics and privacy policies aren’t catching up to the new technological developments and what they might bring, good or bad.
Source: https://www.ideo.com/blog/8-trends-our-design-researchers-are-excited-about
Sara Gancho
6 April 2021