UX Research in Motion: Adaptability Over Rules

I’m currently in Bengaluru, India, experiencing what’s been ranked as the?worst traffic in the world. After seeing it firsthand, I believe it. At first glance, it’s complete chaos with no lane markings, no apparent rules, and a mix of buses, trucks, cars, mopeds, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and pedestrians all moving together. And yet, I’ve yet to see an accident.

It’s not controlled chaos. It’s?adaptive chaos.

Everyone is constantly adjusting to those around them. No one holds their ground stubbornly. Instead, they adapt, knowing that’s the only way to keep everything moving forward. There’s a constant background noise of honking, not out of frustration, but as a way of saying?“I’m here.”

Watching this, I saw a clear parallel to UX research and how we navigate (or don’t navigate) with product teams.

Communication, Not Conflict

In Bengaluru, honking isn’t aggressive—it’s a way to keep things moving. A quick beep signals,?“I see you. Let’s adjust.”

UX research works the same way. We can’t just present findings and expect immediate change. We have to keep research present in conversations, signaling recommendations and nudging decisions. Just like honking,?it’s not about demanding attention—it’s about ensuring awareness.

Holding Your Ground Leads to a Collision

With no clear lanes in Benguluru,?anyone who refuses to adjust will crash.?If a bus is coming, the moped shifts. If a pedestrian crosses, the car slows down. The system works because everyone makes micro adjustments.

The same goes for UX research. If we insist on rigid processes—demanding research always comes first or that every recommendation must be implemented exactly as written—we create friction that slows everyone down. On the flip side, if we’re too passive, we get ignored, like a pedestrian waiting forever to cross.

The best approach is?adaptive navigation.?We need to be firm enough to influence decisions but flexible enough to work within the realities of product development.

Adaptive Chaos is Safer Than It Looks

Bengaluru traffic seems like an accident waiting to happen. But in reality, the lack of strict rules forces drivers to be more?attentive and adaptable.?Instead of relying on painted lanes, they constantly assess and adjust.

UX research is no different. If we rigidly follow process-heavy approaches, waiting for full research cycles before making decisions, we slow everything down. But if we embed research in the natural flow—offering timely recommendations, staying engaged in discussions, and adapting to product needs—we become an essential part of decision-making rather than an obstacle.

Mastery is More Powerful Than Rules

People assume that when you remove strict rules, things become unsafe or less rigorous. But watching traffic in Bangaluru, I realized that mastery, not rules, is what keeps things running.

Drivers here don’t need rigid lanes because they’ve developed a mastery for movement out of necessity. They understand speed, distance, space, and rhythm. They don’t follow checklists, they flow with the system.

UX research is the same. We don’t need rigid, one-size-fits-all research processes to be effective. What we need is?mastery—the ability to know which methods to use when, how to communicate recommendations effectively, and when to push or adapt.

And mastery isn’t about memorizing best practices. It’s about understanding that UX research is a Science, Discipline and Profession that includes applying evidence-based methods

Bengaluru traffic works because people understand the system and their role within it. UX research is no different—we don’t need a perfect, linear process; we need?scientific rigor, methodological discipline, and the professionalism to embed research into decision-making.

Mutual Awareness Creates a Functional System

The most surprising thing about Bengaluru traffic is that it?works. Not because of strict rules, but because of?awareness.?A truck doesn’t need a designated lane to coexist with a moped, they just adjust to each other.

UX research works the same way. If we try to force product teams into a strict research-first process, we set ourselves up for frustration. But when we build?mutual awareness—educating teams about when and how to integrate research, understanding their constraints, and adapting in real time—we create a system that ebbs and flows naturally.

Keep Moving, Keep Adapting

Bengaluru has some of the worst traffic in the world, yet somehow, people still get where they need to go. Not by forcing a rigid system, but by staying aware, communicative, and adaptable.

UX research is no different. We’re not here to demand control; we’re here to help teams navigate. We’re not here to dictate decisions—we’re here to enable better ones.

After all, research isn’t about owning the outcome—we are influencers. The best researchers don’t just provide insights-inspired recommendations; they adapt, influence, and clear the path forward. When we lead by example—staying flexible, strategic, and engaged—we don’t just keep up with the flow. We help direct it.