Socialist Philosophy Applied to UX Research
Traditionally, UX research has been conducted using capitalist benchmarks. These benchmarks focus on metrics such as usability, satisfaction, and conversion rate. However, as Debbie Bookchin, designer and author of Designing for Social Justice, states, "The practice of design is inherently political. Every design decision has the potential to reinforce or challenge existing power structures."
Socialist philosophy offers a different perspective on UX research. Socialist philosophy emphasizes the importance of equality, equity, and social justice. It also emphasizes the importance of community and cooperation. These values can be applied to UX research in a number of ways, including:
Focusing on the needs of the many, not the few. UX researchers should focus on the needs of the majority of people, not just the wealthy or powerful. This means considering the needs of people from all walks of life, including people with disabilities, people from marginalized communities, and people who are struggling financially.
Empowering users to participate in the design process. UX research should not be a one-way street. Users should be empowered to participate in the design process, so that their needs and concerns are taken into account. This can be done through methods such as user interviews, usability testing, and co-design workshops.
Considering the social and political impact of design. UX researchers should consider the social and political impact of their work. This means thinking about how design can be used to promote equality, equity, and social justice. For example, a UX researcher could design a product that helps people to connect with each other and build community. They could also design a product that helps people to learn about and advocate for social change.
By applying socialist philosophy to UX research, UX researchers can help to create a more just and equitable world.
In addition to the above, UX researchers can also apply socialist philosophy to their work in other ways, such as:
Using open source tools and resources. Open source tools and resources are often more accessible and affordable than proprietary tools. This makes them a good choice for UX researchers who want to create products that are accessible to everyone.
Conducting research in marginalized communities. UX researchers can gain valuable insights by conducting research in marginalized communities. This helps them to understand the needs of these communities and how design can be used to improve their lives.
Challenging the status quo. UX researchers can challenge the status quo by designing products and services that are not just profitable, but also socially beneficial. For example, they could design products that help people to reduce their environmental impact or that promote social justice.
The application of socialist philosophy to UX research is not without challenges. In a capitalist society, there is often pressure to design products and services that are profitable, even if they are not socially beneficial. However, UX researchers can play an important role in challenging this pressure and creating products and services that make the world a better place.
