Gaining a Competitive Advantage in UX & UI Research: Dyslexic Thinking

In this blog, we’ll be delving into the role dyslexic thinking plays in the worlds of UX and UI research and why dyslexic thinkers are valuable to a variety of companies around the world.?

What is UX & UI Research, and why is it important??

UX (User Experience) & UI (User Interface) research are two interrelated fields that focus on understanding the needs, wants, and limitations of users. They are fields focused on creating products that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with.?

• UX research - about the overall experience of using a product, including factors such as usability, accessibility, and emotional impact.?
• UI research - concerned with the design and layout of a product's interface,?

What core skills make a good UI and UX researcher??

A great UX & UI researcher will have a strong foundation in human-computer interaction, psychology, and design principles, among other skills. They will be capable of conducting user research methods such as usability testing, focus groups, and surveys to gather valuable insights about how users interact with a product.?

Equally, they should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills because researchers will often work closely with designers and developers to identify and address user needs and pain points. A UI and UX researcher that can demonstrate these characteristics is the key to creating increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and sales.

UI and UX researchers must also be able to think critically and analytically. The day-to-day life of a researcher will involve gathering and analyzing data from a variety of sources in order to understand user needs and preferences. Critical thinking will be necessary to derive the most valuable information from vast amounts of user data.?

In addition, a good researcher should be able to work well as part of a team and collaborate with others in order to achieve a common goal. UI and UX research is often conducted in teams, and if you struggle to work with others, you will hinder the overall progress of your team. The best researchers will also be adaptable and able to think on their feet, as the needs of users and the demands of the market can change rapidly.

UI and UX researchers that make valuable contributions are usually able to demonstrate empathy, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

• Empathy is important in order to be able to understand and relate to the needs and experiences of users.?
• Creativity is essential for coming up with new ideas and approaches to solving problems.?
• Problem-solving abilities are crucial for finding solutions to the challenges that arise during the research and design process.?

According to uxplanet.org, “Empathy is what drives us to make better products. We use empathy to understand how products can solve problems and design accordingly. Designers must understand that their audience will be made up of people with different abilities (for example, 5–20% of the total population of the US have varying forms of Dyslexia).”

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects how the brain processes written language. It affects an individual's ability to read, write, and spell. It is characterized by difficulty with phonological processing, which is the ability to manipulate the sounds of language. Dyslexia can also affect an individual's ability to understand spoken language and to express themselves in writing. It is unknown what causes dyslexia. However, it has clear genetic links and can be inherited from a parent.?

Despite these challenges, many people with dyslexia go on to achieve great success in various fields. Some famous and successful dyslexics include Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, Erin Brokovich, Leonardo da Vinci, and Steve Jobs.?

In fact, dyslexic abilities have been recognized by NASA (North American Space Administration), where over 50% of NASA employees are reported as dyslexic. They are said to be deliberately sought after because they have superb problem-solving skills and excellent 3D and spatial awareness. Watch Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock (Space scientist and Science educator), and others discuss Dyslexia.

A report published by professional services firm Ernst and Young: The Value of Dyslexia found that people with Dyslexia are -

?Exceptionally talented in?

• Logical Reasoning
• Complex Problem Solving
• Active Learning
• Critical Thinking

Very strong in?

• Problem Sensitivity
• Creativity
• Cognitive Flexibility
• Systems Analysis
• Written Expression
• Technical and User Experience Design

Strong in

• Visualization
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Management of Material Resources
• Management of Financial Resources
• Troubleshooting
• Quality Control

Why are Dyslexics a natural fit for UX & UI job roles??

In the journal Frontiers in Psychology, researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK found that people with dyslexia actually have “enhanced abilities” in certain areas, including discovery, invention, and creativity. Inventiveness and big-picture, long-term thinking are among the skills and strengths linked to these exploratory behaviors.?

These skills are useful in fields like UX & UI design, where creativity and problem-solving are key. Dyslexics may also be particularly attuned to the needs and experiences of others. This kind of sensitivity can be valuable in understanding user needs and creating user-centered designs.?

In the field of UX & UI design, dyslexic thinking can provide unique perspectives and skills. Some dyslexic people may be particularly adept at creating innovative and user-friendly designs that are intuitive and easy to use. In addition, their ability to think outside the box can help them identify and solve problems in creative ways that may not have been considered by others.

Every team can benefit from the inclusion of dyslexic thinkers, as they bring a unique perspective and set of skills that can help to improve the overall design process. The awareness of the value of dyslexic thinking has been rising in recent years. A new LinkedIn article titled, “Dyslexic Thinking is now officially recognized as a valuable skill!” is a testament to this increased awareness.?

The competitive advantage in UX/UI design lies in the ability to hire individuals with a diverse set of skills and perspectives. Dyslexic thinkers bring a unique set of skills that are in high demand in the field and can be valuable asset to any company.? Dyslexic thinkers can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table as well as a unique perspective to the field of UX/ UI research. There are several other reasons why individuals with Dyslexia make for good UX and UI researchers:

• Empathy: Individuals with dyslexia often have personal experience with navigating the challenges of using digital products that are not designed with accessibility in mind. This can give them a heightened sense of empathy for users with similar needs, allowing them to better understand and design for those users.

• Attention to detail: Dyslexia can make it difficult for individuals to process information presented in certain ways, such as text-heavy layouts or small font sizes. This can lead to heightened attention to detail when it comes to the design of digital products, as individuals with dyslexia are often more attuned to the specific ways in which design can make or break the user experience.

• Creativity: Dyslexic thinking is often associated with a different way of processing information, and this can lead to creative problem-solving and unique ideas. This can be beneficial in UX and UI research as it allows researchers to come up with new and innovative solutions to design challenges.

• Holistic approach: Dyslexic individuals often think more holistically and have a great ability to see the bigger picture. This allows them to understand the context and the user's needs better. This is key in the research process.
• The Value of dyslexic thinkers to your company

Dyslexia is all about how the brain processes written language. As a result, many people with dyslexia have found that the world of UI and UX values their way of thinking. Dyslexic individuals often possess unique skills such as strong visual-spatial skills, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box, which can be valuable in fields like UX & UI design.

For team leaders, CEOs, and project leads, it is important to consider dyslexics when creating UX designs and making decisions about who should contribute to your UI and UX. They must recognize the valuable contributions that dyslexic thinkers can make to any team.?

While businesses, employers, and users attempt to navigate the fast-changing digital world, sometimes it takes someone who can naturally think outside of the box to find creative UI/UX solutions and gain a competitive advantage.?

To learn more about how dyslexic thinking can give you a competitive advantage in the world of UI and UX research, get in touch with our UX experts.?