Observations on the Field of UX Research

Abstract

Five observations on human factors and ergonomics are compared to user experience (UX) research. This paper highlights similarities and differences to the original reflections made by Salas (2008) and goes deeper into where user experience research as a field has room to grow, particularly, by maintaining a closer connection to its roots in psychology and human factors. This is important as applied user experience researchers work to make an impact and grow their careers through credibility and rigor of work. User experience researchers of varying tenure and those considering entering the field may benefit from reflecting on where they find such patterns in their own roles and what solutions should be proposed (whether internalized, institutional, or systemic).