#UXRConf Notes: Hira Javed on How UX Research Can Help Improve the UX Maturity of an Organization
“If organizations don’t embody principles of human-centred design, we aren’t setting up talented people for success.”
Highlights
✨ Hira has a passion about how humans interact with technology. She’s worked in information architecture, design strategy and user experience research.
✨ She discusses the concept of UX maturity. Some indicators for UX maturity are the level of UX involvement, access to in-house and external resources, and incorporation of user input and feedback.
✨ Hira talks about the importance of reflecting on the journey of UX maturity and what you’ve learned along the way; always looking into the future of UX and how your organization can constantly learn and improve.
“We can’t develop strategies and products without UX Research.”
Summary
Hira is a design strategist at Scotiabank as well as an instructor at the University of Waterloo. She discussed the concept of UX maturity in organizations. She highlighted a model, designed by Macadamian Technologies, about the different levels of UX maturity.
1️⃣ Beginning: No meaningful discussion, end users aren’t involved. Key tips— ensure that relevant business issues are identified and understood.
2️⃣ Awareness: Interest in improving UX, but no structure or internal talent. There’s also limited user feedback. Key tips— Launching pilot projects to show the possibilities and impacts of UX and building that culture within the organization.
3️⃣ Adopting: UX is getting significantly better but no in-house talent. Momentum is built but UX still doesn’t have a seat at the table. Key tips— Set clear UX goals, developing strategies to measure success and establishing leadership UX positions.
4️⃣ Realizing: Mature conversations about UX design, talking about specific goals and roles that come into play in the process. Key tips— convincing the organization of the importance of human-centered design. Building partnerships within the organizations and making actionable moves.
5️⃣ Exceptional: “Congrats! You’ve reached Nirvana.” UX is strategically and firmly implemented within the organization. Key tips — keep learning and keep going.
“Going from Stage 1 to Stage 5, the struggle is real. But it’s also gratifying.”
UX research can bridge the gap between creators and users through education and empathy building. Creating user experiences is an organizational characteristic. It’s all about building that culture within your organization.
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