Encontros e desencontros entre as Ciências Sociais e a pesquisa de experiência do usuário

Abstract

This present work investigates the relationship between applied user experience (UX) research and academic research in the Social Sciences. Specially, this case study uses an inductive perspective of empirical and exploratory observation to highlight regions of congruity and incongruity between these two arenas. The results are based on six semi-structured interviews with social scientists who migrated to careers in UX research. The transition presented a number of challenges. The results indicate that applied UX research focuses on immediate and actionable deliverables which target product performance metrics. In contrast, academic social science research focuses on more theoretical and selfreflexive inquiry. UX research requires that the deliverable can practically resolve immediate and emergent problems without the need for in-depth theoretical discussion. The study also investigates how the prioritization of agility in software development affects UX research. These results demonstrate the need to expand the academic production on applied research in government and business, as well as its relationship with the Social Sciences.