Web Directions Design 2019 The Design conference

Session Details

Laura Summers

Art vs Science: UX research in the age of the reproducibility crisis

Laura Summers Design Consultant Summerscope

In tech in recent years, it feels a bit like everybody and their dog has hopped on the 'scientific method' bandwagon. Design Thinking, Agile and UX Research methodologies are all modeled on this approach. But science itself is in the grips of an existential crisis, as embodied by a series of failed attempts to reproduce existing research. (See 'The Reproducibility Project' for context). Against this backdrop, it's a prescient time to ask the question: should UX Research be reproducible?

Laura Summers

Laura is a multi-disciplinary designer who works with startups to build meaningful products. Her skillsets extend across the domains of user experience research, user experience design, UI design and front-end development. She's a lateral thinker who thrives on visual problem solving and presenting complex data in an approachable format. Asking questions, unpacking assumptions and trying to get to the bottom of things are some of her favourite activities - supported by methodologies such as Lean, Agile and Design Thinking.

A regular co-host on Byte into It, a computer news, tech talk and chat program on Melbourne's RRR radio, I love getting to chat to my web heroes under the guise of pretending to be a journalist. I'm also a passionate advocate for improving diversity in technology and ensuring our workplaces are welcoming and inclusive.

Don't miss your chance to see Laura Summers and many other inspiring speakers at Design 19.

Tickets start at $1195, for two in-depth days with the world's leading design experts.

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Australia's design conference.

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What is Design?

Australia's digital product design conference

Great design is no longer a nice to have for successful digital products, services and customer experiences. It's vitally important. Design brings world leading experts across the design spectrum to share their insights and expertise. If you are involved with the design of digital product or services, you can't afford to miss this one-of-a-kind Australian event. Only in Melbourne, arguably Australia's Design capital.

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Code of Conduct

For over a decade, we've worked hard to create inclusive, fun, inspring and safe events for the Web Industry.

As part of our commitment to these values, we've adopted a code of conduct for all involved: ourselves, our speakers, our partners and our audience.

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