How can you help UX researchers think more creatively?

To help UX researchers think more creatively: 1. Encourage diverse perspectives and collaboration. 2. Emphasize empathy with users. 3. Promote design thinking methodologies. 4. Organize workshops and brainstorming sessions. 5. Explore inspiration from unrelated domains. 6. Use storytelling and visual thinking. 7. See constraints as creative opportunities. 8. Embrace playfulness and continuous learning. 9. Stay user-centered in approach. 10. Foster a culture of learning from failure. 11. Encourage cross-disciplinary learning. 12. Seek feedback and critique. 13. Dedicate time for creative exploration.

Divergent thinking is about expanding your mind. In the early stages of designing, let your creativity on the loose. Some techniques to try include 1)brainstorming: gather your team and share as many ideas as possible. 2)Mind Mapping. Start with one idea, and think of other concepts that relate to it. 3) SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) Convergent ideas are about polishing your best solutions. Filter out what won't work. My favourite technique is affinity diagramming. Make clusters of ideas based on their similarities. Identify patterns, make new clusters, and form relationships with all the data. Another one I like is storyboarding. I'm a visual person, and it helps me refine my ideas.

Creativity is a key skill for UX researchers. It allows them to come up with new and innovative solutions to complex problems. However, creativity can be difficult to foster, especially in a work environment. To help UX researchers think more creatively: Encourage them to ask "Why?": Why are things done the way they are? Provide them with opportunities to explore and experiment. Expose them to new perspectives: Encourage UX researchers to interact with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Create a safe space for collaboration: Create a space where UX researchers feel comfortable sharing their ideas with others and getting feedback.

Consider the negative space through positive composition (aesthetic). The UX process should be based on the perspective of the users. Rather than designing for users, make the users for the design. We are able to create users for the design process. There is a deep concept that is referred to as the Design Experience process for users. Talk to users about designs and create them.

My favorite approach is the Job-To-Be-Done because it steps away from optimizing for traditional options (driving to a place in a car) and refocuses on the goal (arriving at a place). This subtle shift can broaden perspectives and allow other options to be considered.

Encouraging UX researchers to think more creatively is akin to handing an artist a new palette of colors. By introducing diverse stimuli and experiences, we expand their horizons. For instance, swapping roles temporarily can be eye-opening. Imagine a researcher stepping into the shoes of a designer for a day, experiencing challenges from a different perspective. Workshops from unrelated fields can spark novel ideas; perhaps a pottery class could inspire thoughts on molding user experiences. Frequent brainstorming in diverse teams can also mix and meld ideas, just as colors blend to form new hues. By pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones, researchers can unearth creative insights, painting richer, more vibrant UX masterpieces.

In my experience there are two context where creativity is essential and how I approached it: 1-concepting new product and services is challenging as there are no users yet, in that situation I loved to collaborate with the designers and diverse engineers who may have the best understanding of the product and the potential users. Listening to their perpective is an incredible source of inspiration. To complement on that I’d read all the scientific article related to the topic, state of the art papers are a great source of inspiration. 2- existing products and services, find out who are the key segment using the product and focus on those at risk and those who really like the product. Do several rounds research to unleash valuable ideas

Boost creativity by diversifying inspiration sources. Engage with UX experts, explore cross-disciplinary methods, and attend events to challenge assumptions and discover fresh perspectives for innovation.

One healthy way to boost creativity is to take breaks, walk, and have a good night's rest. Also, allow yourself to get bored. It is okay not to be ON all the time. Our society glorifies "being busy". However, being busy does not mean we are being productive or creative. Allow yourself to have moments of silence. Take a long shower. Journal. Creativity often comes to us when we least expect it. While I agree that we should look at many incredible professionals for inspiration, I strongly believe in the value of rest. Observe nature, and your surroundings, and have meaningful conversations. Creativity will strike. You'll see! Lots of studies point out that

Having an art + design background, these are ways I infuse creativity in my research practice: Phone a Friend: Collaborating with professionals from diverse disciplines to uncover fresh approaches for creative research. Embracing different perspectives allows me to view my research from entirely new angles. Zoom In & Out: Stepping away from your work and allowing ideas to evolve is essential. Whether it's going for a walk or indulging in reality TV, these in-between moments often lead to creative breakthroughs. License to Discover: Granting yourself the freedom to depart from conventional methodologies is an enlightening experience. Through experimentation and exploration, you are expanding your mind and capabilities to new potential.

Trying different methods and teaching someone else how to use said methods are the best ways to make sure you fully understand the method. Only by engaging with the method, a researcher will have a chance to understand the nuances of the design and expected outcomes. This will not only improve creativity but also contribute to the ability to select appropriate research methods.

Sometimes all you need is some post-it notes, sharpies, and a whiteboard. No need to painstakingly set up a workshop, make some formal event, or decide on what artifact to use. Just get the people together, succinctly describe where we are now and where we want to be after this conversation. Then just have the conversation, let the ideas and creative energy flow freely (while nudging and facilitating along the way to stay in scope). The key to finding a solution, getting alignment on that solution, and making that solution persevere long-term is the *conversations* between your teammates. Leverage the brains! Do a Crazy 8s, get *something on the wall and have a conversation, rather than go in philosophical circles about theoreticals.

Experimenting with different tools and methods is one thing, furthermore triangulating your data will make your research case stronger. Reporting with qualitative and quantitative data about your experimentation will be essential to convey not only the value for the user/customer but also to the business.

Here, I would like to add that there's nothing like pen and paper. (or marker or pencil). Yes, technology is great. However, at times it is talking to people and using pen and paper that gets the best results. Pen and paper are great to practice Crazy 8s, and draw wireframes. I'm a firm believer that before you begin a design, make sure you have drawn it a few times. And sure, try platforms like Miro, Figjam to brainstorm. Kahoot! Could be fun to do an exercise with your team. Before you think about the tool and method, think about What is my goal? What do I want to know, or learn, or find out? What is the best way to do that? Sometimes it will be talking to people directly. Othertimes a survey will be more effective. Be flexible!

To encourage UX researchers to think more creatively, foster a diverse team, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, prioritize user empathy, and incorporate design thinking principles. Teams need to provide opportunities for brainstorming sessions, exploratory research, and creative tools, while maintaining an open-minded, non-judgmental environment. This will open the doors for space to share concerns, wins and triumphs throughout the UX journey.

UX design is all about teamwork. Some of the work must be done individually, however, most of it involves several stakeholders at different stages of the process. Keep people posted, ask questions, ask for feedback. Testing is an essential part of the Design Thinking Process. However, do keep in mind your goals and objectives. Opinions are subjective, and anything we design should be tested.

When somebody gives you feedback, they are really telling you about them and what *they* want. Yes, it is personal. But it’s not about you. You have a say in whether you give them what they want. But also remember...when you give somebody feedback, you are really telling them about you and what *you* want. Remember, it is personal for them. It’s also not really about them (but they probably don’t know that). Also, remember that they have a say in whether they give you what you want. That is not up to you. 30 min "Plus/deltas" every few weeks are helpful for getting feedback quickly 1:1! Describe what went well (plus) and what could be better (delta). It's an intimate conversation that helps people be invested in each other's growth.

Everyone is making the best decision for the team that they could think of based on the information they had at the time. Including you. Everyone is trying their best, and sometimes it's hard to keep everyone's context up-to-date when they're doing their individual part to support the team in their own ways. Always be kind, leverage the empathy that you as a UX professional specialize in, apply those same skills and concepts with your coworkers. And if things go sideways, it's not a reflection of your character or level of expertise. It's a learning lesson. Woops that didn't work out, let's try again next time based on what I learned from that.

Practical experience is one of the ways to express creativity. Practical experience allows you to find creative solutions and understand user personas and their needs better. 🧐 Are you designing software to make it easier for patients to make an appointment? 💡Take on the role of the doctor's secretary for a day at the hospital. 🧐Are you designing software for more regular loading of truck drivers? 💡Spend a few days with the drivers! This is the best way to create empathy with users and creativity.

Thinking more creatively means having a different perspective and way of seeing and explaining things. To have that, you need to find the fundamentals of the phenomenon you observed and understand the domain, relation, and nuance surrounding the phenomenon. Last, combine all of these with your life experience and past knowledge. That's where the creativity comes from.

- Practice Presenting your Insights as Shortfilm - Understand the Design rationale of Everyday Things - Analyze the movies as a product & and how they provide experience to different audience groups. (Or Try the same with your personal interests ex: Food) Engaging in these activities has helped me become more creative