This is our first newsletter of 2024. Before we jump into our main topic, please join us tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10th, for our Expert Series event with Steve Portigal. “Interviewing Users: Evolving Perspectives and Umpteen Paths” includes an intimate conversation with Steve about:

Research’s evolution over the past decade
Steve’s updates to the book Interviewing Users and
Finding continual inspiration within the user research industry

Registrants are welcome to attend live and or watch the recorded replay. They will also receive Steve’s seven go-to resources to support his user research practice: A guide to participating in fieldwork, Stakeholder interview guide, Sample screener, Sample interview guide, Observation frameworks, Observation guide, and Debrief worksheets.

All proceeds will benefit the International Rescue Committee. Tickets are just $5.00 USD and additional donations are welcome. >> Register here.

New hobbies, countless rewards

Over the holidays my daughter and I went to Australia! Traveling has always been my happy place.

The quality time with my daughter was exceptional, my end of year stress level plummeted, and I fell in looooove with Sydney. I cannot put a price on these *supercalifragilistic* takeaways.

I can, however, put a price on my new hobby :) In 2023 I took a deep dive into a what is commonly known as "travel hacking." It's completely legal despite the poor nickname. Basically this involves the strategic accumulation, optimization, and redemption of loyalty program points (e.g. hotel points and airline frequent flyer miles) to maximize travel benefits and minimize costs. While I've collected frequent flyer miles for 20 years, I took this hobby to a whole new level. It was captivating to delve so deeply into this new, other world. No joke, the ENTIRE TRIP was covered by points and miles. Here's a fantastic cheat sheet to partner alliances and transfer ratios.

My daughter and I talked a lot about different currencies. Salt as a currency, crypto, exchange rates, how bills and coins differ and why, barter systems, loyalty programs, etc. The striking connection between travel and user research was also a realization and topic of discussion. Exploring diverse landscapes, savoring varied cuisines, improv skills required, and immersing oneself in cultures mirrors the journey of comprehending people in the design process.

As someone who is passionate about travel and an advocate for UXR, here are some direct associations between the two, with Aussie examples.

Cultural Sensitivity

Just as travel requires an appreciation for diverse cultures, effective user research demands a keen understanding of the peoples’ cultural context. It’s about speaking the language of our users, metaphorically and literally. For example, "G'day mate!" Down Under they use the term "Way Out" for "Exit", "Top off" (as in adding money to a transit card) for "Reload", and "Lollies" are what Americans usually refer to as "Sweets." Adding an "o" as the suffix to any word to shorten it is common (and also fun)!

Adaptability is Key

Similar to navigating through a bustling foreign market, UXRs must adapt their methodologies to fit the unique nuances of each project. Flexibility is like a compass that guides us through uncharted territories. Our improv skills were exercised when a typhoon hit the Great Barrier Reef! So sad.

Discovery Through Interaction

Sampling street food and engaging with locals – both share the essence of discovering hidden gems. Similarly, user research often involves direct interaction, unearthing gold often hidden beneath the surface. TimTams are fantastic "bikkies". It's a cookie ("bikkie," is Aussie slang for biscuit). Meat pies are everywhere and they are delicious, but Vegemite, on the other hand, didn't taste great to us.

Uncovering Uniqueness

Every place has its own story, and so do participants. User research is about unraveling the unique narratives, behaviors, and preferences that shape the UX landscape. Touring the Sydney Opera House taught us about the stories behind the landmark and its cultural significance. The roof is made up of more than one million tiles, in two tones. The darker tiles are strategically placed in areas where rainwater is likely to flow more heavily, helping direct and control the drainage on the roof. MIND BLOWN.

Maria Ann Smith cross planted a domestic apple and a crab apple on 1968 in NSW. She became a local hero. The apples were branded brilliantly as “Granny Smith” apples. The apple industry created some of the first graphic art and packaging in Australia called industrial folk art. The Granny Smith even has its own theme song Down Under!

Navigating Uncharted Waters

Just as exploring unknown territories sparks excitement, venturing into uncharted waters of user behavior “fuels the curiosity” of a researcher. It’s about embracing the unknown and seeing it as an opportunity for discovery. We climbed to the top of the Sydney Bridge. Talk about new (and somewhat terrifying) perspectives.

The Joy of Serendipity

Sometimes, the most profound insights come unexpectedly – a chance encounter, a hidden gem. Similarly, UXR may unveil unexpected behaviors or needs that transform the design landscape. We stumbled upon an Uggs outlet. Despite my initial resolve not to buy her anything readily available in the US, her bright-eyed realization that "UGGS ARE FROM AUSTRALIA!" swayed me, highlighting the enchanting surprises that travel can bring. On a side note, she has worn them every day since. LOL.

Travel + user research = a shared spirit of curiosity, adaptability, and an unyielding passion for understanding the diverse tapestry of human experiences.

Here’s to embracing the wanderlust in your research endeavors and designing experiences that transcend borders!

QRCA Annual Conference

The QRCA Annual Conference is January 22-25, 2024. Michele will be speaking on the 24th. The speaker line up, networking sessions and other events will be top notch. Hope to see some of you there!

Speak up, get involved, and share the love!

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn for more UXR tips and UX discussions
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interested in team user research training? Let us know!
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And that’s a wrap!

We try to alternate between a theme and UX/UXR jobs, events, classes, articles, and other happenings every few weeks. Thank you for all of the feedback. Feedback is a gift, and we continue to receive very actionable input on how to make Fuel Your Curiosity more meaningful to you.

What do you think? We're constantly iterating and would love to hear your input.

Stay curious,

- Michele and the Curiosity Tank team

PS: Don't forget to register for “Interviewing Users: Evolving Perspectives and Umpteen Paths” with Steve Portigal. All registrants will receive the recorded replay.

Events, New Hobbies, Countless Rewards