Hi there, This is the twenty fourth edition of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team. Today's topic - How to operate a design team in a manner that bias is reduced to a lowest possible denomination. We hope you gain something from this read.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
Bias and assumptions in user research refer to the ways our thinking can sometimes be influenced without us even realizing it. It can make our research less accurate and lead us to make decisions that might not be the best for everyone.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
Bias might make us only pay attention to information that supports what we already think, ignoring anything that doesn’t. This can make our research results not completely true or fair. And assumptions can lead us to design products or services that don’t really meet users’ needs because we haven’t taken the time to find out what they really want. Here’s an article that discusses 10 different types of cognitive biases in User Research.
And on to the main event, here's how to break the chain of bias, to truly unmask those special thruths out of your work.
### Some key thoughts to keep in mind:
#### 1. Assemble diverse teams
Using a diverse team in user research is having a team made up of people from different backgrounds and experiences. When we have this mix, it helps to avoid making unfair assumptions.
#### 2. Rely on multiple data sources
By drawing from diverse data sets, this approach enables a balanced integration of quantitative and qualitative information, giving a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
#### 3. Use reframing techniques
Reframing techniques, such as “how might we” questions and point of view statements, are valuable tools for reducing bias in user research. These techniques encourage researchers to approach problems from different angles and challenging assumptions.
To read more on the topic, check the full article.
📚 What we were reading this week
OpenAI holds back wide release of voice-cloning tech due to misuse concerns
Voice Engine can clone voices with 15 seconds of audio, but OpenAI is warning of potential harms.
Defining experience quality in large language models
A look at the design strategy behind Adobe Acrobat’s newest generative AI features.
Generative UI and Outcome-Oriented Design
GenUI promises highly personalized interfaces — a move from designing for many to tailoring for the individual.
An explainer on why cocoa prices are hitting record highs.
How WhatsApp became the world’s default communication app
What was once a texting platform now runs the lives, businesses and political machinery of billions.
Online gig work is feeding Russia’s surveillance machine
TBIJ has found that the technology used to repress dissent against Putin’s authoritarian regime is powered by unwitting gig workers in the global south.
A look at how remote work panned out for the team at Zerodha.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
Enjoy Your Favorite Wine Before Climate Change Destroys It 🍷
Devin AI: World’s First AI Software Engineer
And that's the lot! Thanks for checking out what we had to share with you this week, we shall catch up with you next Wednesday. Incase you aren't subscribed to the newsletter, you could subscribe here.
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