What Comes After UX?
Aeons ago, perhaps as far back as 2014, I recall having conversations with people about “the state of UX” and what should come next. Since 1999, I’ve seen a lot of changes in this single (or is it multiple?) profession. At the time, I saw UX as a dying thing—and to some extent I still believe that.
But it’s about to be 2022 and I think I’ve finally figured out what comes next.
What comes next for me, that is.
Now, I’m never-ever going to convince enough people that January 1st is a ridiculously arbitrary date to call the New Year. It should be the Summer or Winter Solstice. I also have strong feelings about personal new years (aka, a birthday) being an excellent time to demarcate the end of something and the beginning of another.
That’s a long paragraph to say I am well aware that I am writing this on December 31, 2021.
Winter Solstice 2021
I made a decision about what comes next for me after UX1. I made the mental transition over the course of a few days and, as of today, I’m in the full swing of it. And I’m … happy? This is concerning, especially to that oft-incredulous fellow to the left.
The decision is: Way less UX, way more writing AND publishing.
Aeons +/- 2 ago, I was on the path to being a writer. That’s what my degree is in. That’s how I got my first professional job (tech writer). I did it creatively for a long time (paid for rent once with a poem). I blogged, back when web logs were cool (they were cool!). I used to write and I basically gave it up because UX work pays better.
Ever since I made the decision that this is the way, at least for 2022, I’ve felt lighter. And today? Today was a really good day.
Why?
Why, you may ask. While I counsel to never ask Why, I get it. And I’ll tell you.
It sort of coalesced this afternoon when I was thinking about sharing this change publicly. I asked myself why. Especially why Happy and Lighter. I have made a lot of changes in December and they definitely have contributed. But, I think the idea that my hard work will be met with fewer instances of derision and dismissiveness2 fills me with … what’s the German word for Dude, Where’s My Dread?
Basically, I’ve pissed off a lot of clients over the past 5 years of Studio VO, when I shared with them what their customers/users were saying. And I’m really, really tired of not actually having much of an impact. I’d stick with it full-time if I thought this would change any time soon. But this past summer, things came to a head. I got a “stay in your lane” from an exec at a client company.
Let me say this loud and clear for all to hear, especially the people in the back:
MY LANE IS EVERY LANE.
Because my responsibility is to help clients deliver great products and services. That’s your job, too. Fuck titles, my purpose is to make great experiences. Every lane is my lane. As it is yours.
Yeah, But What About Money?
I’m not out of UXland completely. I can’t do that. Well, I could, but my family and my collection of watches I never wear wouldn’t like it.
I’ll be putting a fair bit of effort into Curious Zebras. Primarily because I do actually know a lot about Research and am good at teaching it to people. But also because it’s still desperately needed.
UX people have, for many valid reasons, spent the lion’s share of their time tinkering on Hows. Research looks at Whys, Whats, Whos. The stuff that comes before How. Yes, even in Agile/Lean/Pasta.
So I’ll put my energy behind helping others deliver great products and services.
From time to time, I’ll be helping colleagues with their projects and if a project comes to me that looks interesting and I have time, I’ll do that, too.
What Comes After UX For the Rest of You?
I know, I know. I semi-bait-and-switched you with the title. But my answer is this: No bloody clue, love.
I tried for the past 5 years to get a small group of people, who agreed with me in principle, to look at all the human-centered disciplines as, essentially, the same role. With, admittedly, some different deliverables, areas of contribution, and materials.
Tried and failed. Y’all get it and agree with it when I explain it to you, but when it comes time to act … not so much. Well, not enough people at least. Which is actually okay! I think it’s simply too soon for most people.
My hope is that more of you, regardless of titles (see above for commentary on titles), stop by to learn about how to do research well. All the cool kids, plus the kids who are tired of making shit up and hoping it works, are doing it.
1 TBH, I haven’t felt part of UX for years. Service Design seemed right for a bit, but what I do mostest (it’s a word now) probably falls under Organisational Design. And I’m not sure how to “sell” that.
2 Many execs/leaders don’t like what I present to them (what their customers and employees say!) after they asked me to “tell it like it is.” Feckin’ egos.
Also, more of this:
Radical honesty from @matto on dying, love, and meaning. #HybridConf pic.twitter.com/oJ8aN63jka
— Ame Elliott (@ameellio) August 19, 2016
