Research: Sociology vs. UX
Some time ago, I enrolled in a user research course and discovered it to be quite fascinating. I had nurtured a long-standing curiosity about delving into this field, and this opportunity provided me with just the right amount of knowledge to discern the distinctions between User Research and Sociology Research.
You may wonder: Why Sociology?
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Throughout my college years, I engaged in extensive quantitative and qualitative research across various domains, including lifestyle, hobbies, and even niche topics such as the lifestyles of individuals with pets. My thesis delved into consumer behavior in stores, and I take pride in the outcomes of that research.
This article is a result of my background in sociology research during college, which has provided me with a solid foundation for my journey into User Research. Whether you have a background in sociology or not, I hope this article offers you valuable insights and a new perspective.
Let’s kick off.
Different purpose
While Sociology and User Research may employ similar methods and planning techniques, their objectives differ significantly. Sociology primarily focuses on analyzing social and societal issues as a whole, often employing various theories as foundational frameworks. In contrast, User Research is predominantly concerned with understanding and studying the interactions between users and the products they are intended to use.
Both methodologies encompass qualitative approaches such as interviews, focus groups, and diary studies, and quantitative methods like surveys, questionnaires, and data analysis.
From my perspective, I’ve noticed that there could be more sociological factors to take into account when conducting user research. Following the research process, a persona is constructed, serving as a representation of the user’s specific context. This context holds significant importance in understanding the impact and value introduced into the user’s life with the product.
Different approach
Sociology research, and academic research in general, is oriented towards addressing broad contexts and issues, striving to provide answers to a multitude of significant questions.
User Research places a stronger emphasis on the relevance of its findings for the client. The research conducted for a product or design is not merely driven by curiosity; it requires a clear and practical motive to justify its execution.
Different „What’s next?”
Once you’ve obtained the results from your research, what should be your next course of action?
In Sociology Research, you can come up with more ideas to study the subject in greater depth or try different ways of researching to see if you get similar results. But, overall, it’s mostly theoretical.
However, in User Research, where the focus is on understanding the interaction between the user and the product or design, there’s a more hands-on approach to showcasing the results and insights.
For instance, in academic research, let’s say you investigated the social aspects of smoking and discovered why many people take breaks at work to smoke. In this case, there may not be any practical action to take; it’s primarily for the sake of knowledge or a broader understanding.
However, in the realm of user research, if your goal is to determine whether the design you’ve created is user-friendly and you discover that users are struggling to change their profile picture, there’s a tangible course of action available. You can modify the design to make this process easier for users.
I believe this represents the fundamental distinction between the two fields. Sociology elucidates the mechanisms and reasons behind how the world operates but often remains purely theoretical. In case of issues identified, there may be limited capacity for direct intervention or change. On the other hand, User Research places you in a position of control, enabling you to actively address and find solutions to problems encountered.
Remember to explore Mento Design Academy if you’re considering launching your career in UX/UI Design. You can find more information by clicking on the link below.
https://mentodesign.academy/?via=mihaela-beatrice
I was hoping you could share with me your thoughts about this article.
In a while, crocodile!
