Mourning the changes to LinkedIn’s Top Voices program

In 2020, I was deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 10 Global LinkedIn Top Voices in Technology, a distinction that brought tears of joy & immense pride. As the first user researcher worldwide to receive this accolade, it signified a personal achievement, LI's acknowledgment of my thought leadership, efforts to advocate for user research awareness, & education, as well as enormous recognition for our industry.

During that period, I was part of a select group of dedicated research practitioners actively posting about UXR. Engaging with the Top Voices program's heads, John C Abell and Laura Lorenzetti, I sought clarity on the selection process, posing questions inherent to my researcher's nature:

🔍 Why me?

🔍 Why the technology category over design?

🔍 What were the evaluation criteria?

Their responses showcased the program's rigorous qualitative & quantitative approach, as well as the team's extremely thoughtful considerations.

LI’s meticulous planning provided advanced notice of the recognition & they sent a physical acknowledgment package, including a handwritten note. A dedicated article celebrated the Global Top 10 Voices (link in the comments), emphasizing our contributions & expertise within the tech category. Networking calls facilitated meaningful connections among the honorees.

That said the current Top Voices leaves me utterly sad & perplexed. The 60-day current badges, the undisclosed criteria, and the unvetted honorees leave me mourning the previous program. It leans towards short-term goals, raises long-term commitment concerns, and obliterates the former well-deserved recognition. Does anyone know the current program's success metrics and its overall performance?

This post aims to prompt critical thinking by comparing the previous prestigious honor to the current state. It urges you to contemplate the evolving yet significantly lower significance of the current badges and the rationale behind these substantial changes. Why OH WHY use the same name for both programs? They are not comparable in any regard.

Today, UXR discussions abound. There's a surge in posts, and many regrettably share inaccurate information about our industry. Now more than ever, it's crucial to question and critically evaluate the new LinkedIn Top Voices badges, your contribution to these articles, and your engagement with the current program.

I’ve been mourning these changes for a while. I imagine (truly hope!) many of you agree. I welcome your feedback.

In 2024, I recommit to my original LinkedIn mission:

• To help people around the world learn how to ask better questions and make more informed decisions.

• To increase user research awareness around the globe.

Please join me and contribute to ONLY sharing accurate, actionable, and helpful information about our industry on LI. If you are less experienced, ask questions. Many of us genuinely care and want to help you!