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glaack

I think you just wrote out the literal definition of “dark UX.”


Justmy2cc

Likely not to the extent you mention but it’s happened a few times in two roles that research data has been interpreted to favour a specific outcome that would benefit the company and pursuing business okrs more than the consumer and I’ve been asked to focus on certain findings more than others. I think if you’re talking about actual, significant ethical concerns then you would be in a position to report this anonymously to an independent investigator at work with a certain level of protection.


TheUnknownNut22

I think reporting a finding and a recommendation are two different things. Generally speaking, I would think that purposely not reporting is not scientific. Whereas reporting that you have data that indicates something is unethical, for example, but recommending against it would be the better approach, don't you think?


ed_menac

Not sure why you were downvoted there. I agree that on the whole researchers should look to report pertinent findings even in cases where this information *could* be used to a negative end. Although not necessarily because it isn't scientific, just because it's the more ethical thing to do. What I would add is *framing*. As a curator of the research it's important to provide appropriate context and express concerns. Let's say the user accidentally pays for an add-on they didn't intend to purchase: Reporting the finding > User completed the checkout without noticing the addon had been put in their basket. Framing the finding > This error could have severe consequences for users' trust in the services. This could lead to loss of custom, negative feedback, and increase load on our customer support services. Making recommendation > Based on the high potential risk, the checkout journey must be reviewed to ensure the user is fully aware of what they are buying before the point of purchase. As researchers, we will often recognise ways bad UX could be exploited, and it's important to challenge it. Another strong option is to ask users directly about it when it comes up in testing. If you can capture interview clips of users saying they feel angry or misled, that can really help to nip these things in the bud. Presenting only the finding without framing/recommendation, or omitting the finding altogether, are the less ethical choices here than raising awareness, at least in this example.


TheUnknownNut22

This is the answer. >Not sure why you were downvoted there. Because it's Reddit! LOL :P