Are we posing the correct inquiries within the context of User Experience Research (UXR)? Let's see!

From where I stand, when it comes to user research, the user is the VIP. We strive to ask the right questions to tackle their dilemmas. But you know what's really wild? When we throw those offbeat questions into the mix, users might just end up becoming the next design mavericks! ??

Current UX world

In the thrilling world of User Experience Research (UXR), our motto is: "Users in the center, always!" We're like the custodians of a treasure chest filled with user needs, and we're here to unlock it within the bounds of our existing design magic spells!

What do users really want?

We're like UX detectives on a never-ending quest to boost the user experience. But sometimes, I can't help but wonder if our users are quietly craving a complete makeover that matches our ever-evolving style, or if they're just asking for a little UX "sprinkle" here and there!

In one of my user research escapades at Sunnyvale Park, I stumbled upon a mall aficionado with a burning question:

"Hey, do you have a system that not only tells me where I am in the mall but also drops hints about what treasures I can find in each shops and show navigations to store?"

So, picture this: You're strolling through the mall, pretending to shop (because let's face it, your wallet's on vacation), but suddenly, you find something you MUST have. The big question is, can the system magically beam the bill straight to your home, so you can make the purchase without exposing your wallet's holiday secrets? ???

This curious inquiry served as a hilarious reminder that innovation doesn't just sprout from the minds of dedicated "innovation teams" with fancy titles. Nope, sometimes it casually strolls into our lives during a chit-chat with the neighbor over the backyard fence!

Hence, it's absolutely critical that we throw open the doors to lively dialogues and interactions. After all, who knows when the next game-changing, mind-boggling, jaw-dropping idea might pop up over a coffee chat?

Imagine this: Your digital workplace is so advanced that it can bring your thoughts to life, making your workday feel like a thrilling video game. Plus, it's so irresistible that it practically begs you to come back for more, like the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cookies!

In the land of design brilliance (also known as my desk), crafting the "write" questions is the secret sauce for success – pun absolutely intended! And when we throw in those out-of-the-box queries, it's like we've pulled off a magic trick, making the old design thinking disappear and unveiling a brand-new path to innovation!

In my book, this is the gold standard of next-gen design! ??

Summary

Why not spice things up a bit and ask your users completely irrelevant questions? Who knows, you might uncover the secrets to the universe or at least get a good laugh! ??