I believe user research should be done ethically, holistically, and with due diligence. Even if the underlying motivation is a financial or a business goal, user research should be driven by empathy.

Being user-centric does not mean transcribing what they say and delivering it; “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” It means rigorous observations to understand their motivation.

Regardless of the fast-changing landscape, we are all standing on the shoulders of giants like Norman, Krug, and Cooper. With access to platforms like Interaction Design Foundation, UX Research & Strategy, and ADP List. There is no excuse for a frustrating user experience.

Developers are also our users, and trade-offs are inevitable. However, trade-offs shouldn’t be a get-out-of-jail card; the decision should be made with deliberation and a complete understanding of the impact.

Trade-offs are just an example of how collaboration is at the heart of creating a needed, helpful, and non-intrusive experience. I can wax poetic about the nobility of user research, but if I can’t get the buy-in, I have failed the users. A fate that can be prevented by having enough data, making sure I have a clear understanding of the problem, and being able to present my case concisely.