Cost-effective UX strategies for2025Impacting product andbusinessPhoto by Razvan Chisu onUnsplashAs we're approaching the end of the year, the rush has begun to impact your product and show your value to the Business. Especially this year, when budgets have been tight, it's difficult to conduct primary research. But don't fret! You have many options to set yourself up forimpact.Here are three effective strategies UX Researchers & Designers can use to impact your Product for the good of your customers, prove your value to the Business, and set yourself up for success in2025.I'm using the metaphor of looking in vs. looking out of your organization or company and using that data to look forward. (See the Impact Problem, linked above, and Eva Schicker's model for reference).Looking "in" can be primary research your team has collected or what your partner teams have collected.Looking "out" is about seeking secondary or academic sources out in the industry.Both of these are retrospective approacheslooking backwards to find what was true in the past (Strategies 1 and 2). Then, you can look towards the future and prioritize testing (Strategy 3).Strategy 1Looking In: ExistingDataI like to think of utilizing existing data as, "Low-hanging fruit." This is one of the easiest places to start and you can do it without incurring additional cost. Simply look for data that exists already and see what hasn't been actedupon.The next step is to summarize all the existing research on a project or theme and then share the summary. Many years ago, there was one product I was working on over the course of several studies, and I started counting up the number of times that a certain recommendation came up for participants: nine times! Can you believeit?I created a table, hyperlinked the findings, and articulated the nuances of each time the feature recommendation was discussed as a solution to a pain point that our customers had.What happened?The team finally believed that the problem was big enough to solve and it gotfixed.Research doesn't exist in a vacuum. Just because the finding or insight came before doesn't mean it's not still accurate. Most of the time, it still will bethis is what some folks call, "durable findings." Or, put another way, Kai Wong discusses the importance of preserving your findings.Where to look and Whom to talktoThere are also several places you can look for existingdata:Previous Primary Research Studies: You probably have several of these already. But have you taken advantage of all the insights? What about those insights that were minor at the time but have built up? Are there patterns across your previousstudies?Analytics and Usage Metrics: Your data scientist probably has access to these. Have you ever sat down with them to go over the trends over the last few months? What behaviors are emerging? Have you seen the impact of your recommendations? More on Analytics in UX from NN/g (YouTube).Customer Feedback/Customer Support Calls: There are many ways to approach this one but your sales team is going to be on the front lines here. Do you know who they are? Marketing is your other friend here, along with Social Media, below. They probably have lots of survey open ends that need some qualitative insight and triangulation!Social Media Pulse: Again, see above: Your Marketing partner is your friend here. Of course, just because the wheel is squeeky, doesn't mean it should get immediate attention but that's what a holistic approach is all about. Triangulate the squeaky wheel with other data types and sources and you're on yourway.If you're picking up a theme here already, good. I'll be more explicit:What you are looking for is a cohesive story across your studies, surveys, customer feedback, and socialmedia.Is everyone saying the same thing? And if so, is that on the radar of your leadership team? See Strategy 3, below, for planning.Strategy 2Looking Out: Secondary ResearchConducting secondary research is similar in nature to internal primary research in that it's retrospective, only, it's external to your company, conducted by someone else (and thus perhaps more "objective,"), and collected in such a way that likely your product or service nuances aren't specifically accounted for. Mayya Azarova summarizes asfollows:Secondary research is an essential foundation for UX work, necessary to explore the problem space and scope of prior projects and to identify important questions and best practices in the field of study. It also helps to focus the scope of your own project and often saves money. (Source:NN/g)This doesn't mean it's not valuableit's actually incredibly valuable. Especially in the cases where this is a premise to your work. While acknowledging that there are nuances between the following terms, I'm going to use them collectively: Desk Research, Lit Review, Academic Lit Review, as each of them involves doing research on the internet for secondary sources and not collecting primary data or doing primary research.Types of Secondary ResearchCore Concepts, Methodologies, and Best Practices: They say you don't have to reinvent the wheel for a good reason. Likely, someone else has done something similar and it's published just waiting to be referenced. On top of reviewing nuances of method, you can also get inspiration on approach and data types. Best Practices mean you can stand on the shoulders of giants and not make the same mistake others havemade.Theoretical Frameworks: Some of my biggest a-ha moments came from applying frameworks to a problem I'm working on. When you come across something that's already been validated, it's like magic. Everything falls into place. And then you can think about your product differently when applying an industry standard.Historical Context and Emerging Trends: Shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements (like AI!), and new business practices all give a historical context to what's going on right now. By placing your product in the historical context, you can better take that step back to look at broadertrends.Competitive Landscape: This can be from a product or feature lens and compares publically existing data and experiences from your product vs. your competitors. This is a great place to start for future Competitive Benchmarking studies where you test your product head-to-head against your competitors. For more inspiration here, check out Mark Bridges' collection of Competitive Analysis & Strategy CaseStudies.Gaps in knowledge in the industry: Gaps of previous work lead to new research to conduct. When you find a gap, see if your product can solve it and then plan the research (Strategy 3, below), to position your product ahead of your competitors, identify areas for product innovation, and the application of new models and practices.Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: I know, not a fun one, but you never know until you look. You should be looking especially as emerging technologies move towards government legislation. It's important to be on top ofthis!Ethical Considerations: A really fun area right now, especially in conversations about the ethical application of AI. This is certainly a whole article worth, so I'll just call it out as a direction you can explore as you develop human-centered AI-informed products. Learn more about Human-Centered AI(HCAI).Cultural Perspectives: Does your Product or service exist in more than one market? Have you done any research or design in those markets to see how customers are different? If you answered NO to either of these questions, then this is a massive opportunity! Check on this presentation I gave on Interpreting Cross-Cultural Data to get youstarted.A little curiosity goes a long way! Just be sure to cut yourself off when you've found,"Enough," (yes, I know this is difficult for many of us!). Time box it so you can keep moving forward to the next strategy, LookingAhead.Strategy 3Looking Ahead: Triangulate, Plan, and Prioritize theFutureThe point of all of this is to make better decisions about your customers and your product going forward. By understanding what you know, what your team knows, and what the industry knows, you can get a complete, or "holistic" picture of where your product is at in your market. Knowing all this, the story should clearlyemerge.Here are some questions to ask yourself:When you put it all together, does it tell a consistent story?What are the gaps in knowledge in yourself, your product, your market, and your industry?Once identified, does it make sense for you to fill thosegaps?If you take a look at all the potential projects and studies you can do, which of them will make the most impact? To the Product? To the Business?Are your organization's strategic initiatives in line with your primary and secondary research synthesis? Look for any misalignment and dig in to see if it's important to raise theflag."Strategy" is really just a fancy word for, "This is what we should donext."Based on all we know, here's a path forward. And, if there's something you don't know, that's part of thatpath.This process should bring you closer to your product team. They will see you in a new light. And you will start being seen as someone who understands "The Business." Which means you'll be promoted.Benefits of thisApproachRisk Reduction: Make sure you have identified all the potential risks and accounted for them, or "mitigated," them. It's best to be up front and call out potential threats so everyone is aware and then someone can take action onthem.Data-Backed Decisions: Ideally, you're always doing this, but it's good to find the data to support decisions that are being made in your org. You never know when someone is going to ask for it, and having them published somewhere or at the tip of your fingers means that you will be perceived as knowledgeable when it comes to customer and product data.Win.Knowledge Sharing: Maybe your teams don't share much you wouldn't be the first, unfortunately. This is an opportunity to break down political barriers and be a part of the solution.Cost-Effective: I'm coming full circle here. It's a lot more cost effective to summarize what we know (with a strategic focus, of course), than it is to conduct more primary research. There is a time and a place for that, and truly, it's a huge need right now. This helps you get ahead of that curve and position yourself as the go-toperson.Speed / Time to Market: This process helps you move fast (see the link above for Cost-Effective as well). Both internal speed and external speed of getting a better product out to your customers faster. We shouldn't be sitting on insights, we should be acting onthem.Concluding ThoughtsIn business and UX, knowledge is far more than just powerits the lever that drives profit, multiplies impact, and fuels advancement. When you strategically capitalize on untapped insights and align them with your most critical business objectives, you dont merely save resourcesyou unlock momentum. This approach propels you ahead of your competitors and positions you as a market leader with speed and precision.Business people want solutions to problems, not just identification of problems. UX People hold the key: solutions to those problems validated with customers.What have you tried? What success stories do you have employing these methods? I'd love to hear aboutit!Josh LaMar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Amplinate, an international agency focusing on cross-cultural Research & Design, based in the USA, France, Brazil, and India. As the Chief Strategy Officer of JoshLaMar Consult, he helps Entrepreneurs grow their business through ethical competitive advantage.Cost-effective UX strategies for 2025 was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen, 2024) is now $129.99 for Black Friday, down from $159.99its lowest price yet, according to price-tracking tools. Its a nice upgrade from the basic Kindle, featuring a larger 7-inch screen, three color options, an adjustable warm-and-cool front light, and a waterproof build (IPX8 rated). It comes with 16GB of storage, which is more than enough for eBooks but might feel a bit tight if youre big on audiobooks (for which you'll need Bluetooth headphones since this model has no headphone jack). Additionally, if audiobooks are your thing, the Signature Edition with 32GB storage might be a better option for you. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $129.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $129.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $30.00 The Paperwhite comes with dual-band wifi (though cellular connectivity is still missing) for downloading eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from the Kindle store. You can also upload your own documents and sideload third-party apps like Libby to borrow library books, a feature gradually rolling out to all Kindles through the latest firmware updates. The 300 ppi display of the Paperwhite ensures sharp text, while 16 levels of grayscale make it a great option for classic E-Ink reading. That said, this PCMag review notes that the screen has a slightly yellower tone than the previous generation (not a major issue, but worth mentioning). Another thing to note is the lock screen ads that come by defaultremoving them will cost you an extra $20.The battery life of the Paperwhite is estimated at up to 12 weeks on a single charge, though how long it actually lasts will depend on your reading habits and brightness settings. At this price, the Paperwhite is an excellent value, especially for readers who want a waterproof device they can take anywhere. However, if you want more storage or features like wireless charging, the Signature Edition ($154.99, down from $199.99) might be worth the upgrade. The Best Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case $153.99 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet $149.00 (List Price $219.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) $21.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Security Camera (3-Pack) $99.99 (List Price $259.99) Dell Inspiron 15 3535 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Laptop $449.99 (List Price $699.99) Seagate Portable 4TB External USB 3.0 Hard Drive $99.90 (List Price $124.99) Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $199.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Marshall Emberton II, available in black and brass, black and steel, and cream, is a great choice for anyone who loves the iconic Marshall rock aestheticand its now $99.99 (down from $169.99) for Black Friday. For a speaker this size, the Emberton II offers impressive sound performance, driven by dual 10W amps and passive radiators. Its unique setup has the left channel firing through the front grille and the right through the back, which isnt true stereo but still creates a room-filling sound. Its great for mid-sized spaces and even some larger rooms, though it might fall short for outdoor gatherings or backyard parties. For those who want a stereo setup, the Stack mode (accessible through the Marshall app) lets you pair multiple Emberton II speakers together for added flexibility. Marshall Emberton II $99.99 at Amazon $169.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $169.99 Save $70.00 The sound quality of the Emberton II is solid, though not without its limitations. It handles moderate bass well, but deep lows can reportedly be a bit of a struggle. Highs are bright and crisp, giving it a clean, sculpted sound that works well for most genres at moderate volumes. However, its Bluetooth 5.1 support is limited to the SBC codecgood for casual listening but not ideal for audiophiles who listen to high-res audio, according to this PCMag review. On the bright side, with an IP67 rating, this speaker is built to handle poolside splashes, heavy rain, and even full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. The added dust protection is also a plus, especially for its textured exterior that might otherwise collect grime. Battery life is rated at 30 hours (impressive for its class), though actual performance will depend on your listening habits and volume levels.If youre after a speaker with a similar sound and durability but at a lower price, the JBL Flip 6 is worth considering at $79.95 (down from $129.95). It offers a comparable audio experience and rugged build, making it a strong alternative for budget-conscious buyers. The Best Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case $153.99 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet $149.00 (List Price $219.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) $21.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Security Camera (3-Pack) $99.99 (List Price $259.99) Dell Inspiron 15 3535 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Laptop $449.99 (List Price $699.99) Seagate Portable 4TB External USB 3.0 Hard Drive $99.90 (List Price $124.99) Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $199.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team

Amazon wont need to pay the European Union 250 million ($263 million) in back taxes. On Wednesday, the blocs executive branch said it was closing three separate state aid investigations, including one involving Amazon. The decision ends one of the companys longest-running legal sagas.In 2017, the European Commission found that, from 2006 to 2014, Amazon had used an operating company in Luxembourg to pay substantially less tax to the European Union. The shell company had no offices or staff, and was, according to the Commission, used solely by Amazon to lower its tax bill. By the Commissions estimate, the e-commerce giant avoided taxation on three quarters of all the profit it made from online sales in the EU during that period.In 2021, however, Amazon won an appeal against the ruling. Although the company changed its tax structure following the investigation, it argued at the time that the Commissions decision was full of "methodological errors. It also said the payments were legal per international tax principles, an argument Europes second-highest court agreed with after finding Amazons structure didnt confer it an advantage over other companies. Subsequently, the court ordered the Commissions decision annulled.With this weeks announcement, the Commission said it was taking into account the guidance of the EU Courts in closing the case against Amazon. Amazon did not immediately respond to Engadgets comment request.While the end of its case against Amazon is a setback for the European Commission, earlier this year the body won a decisive victory against Apple. In September, Europes highest court ordered the tech giant to pay back a 13 billion ($14.4 billion) tax break from Ireland that was found to be illegal in 2016.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/european-commission-ends-state-aid-case-against-amazon-with-no-tax-payout-004438602.html?src=rss

When it comes to keeping your iPad safe and functional, a protective case can be a real lifesaver. Whether you're looking to shield your device from everyday bumps and scratches or need something a bit more rugged, there are options for every budget. Some cases go beyond protection and add extra functionality, like built-in keyboards that turn your iPad into a productivity powerhouse, ideal for work or note-taking on the go.From slim, stylish folio cases to tough covers with soft microfiber linings, theres a wide variety of choices to suit your style and needs. No matter what you're after, the perfect iPad case is out there waiting to keep your device safe and make it even more versatile. Best iPad cases iPad case FAQs Should you keep your iPad in case? Its almost always a good idea to keep your iPad in a case so its protected against hazards and accidents. The best iPads are expensive even the most affordable model will set you back nearly $300 so youll want to safeguard your gear as much as possible. What is the difference between an iPad case and an iPad cover? All iPad covers are cases, but not all iPad cases are covers yes, its a bit confusing, but allow us to explain. Most iPad covers are cases that surround the back of your tablet and have a flap that covers the screen, so it provides protection for the body as well as its display. Plenty of iPad cases also have screen covers, but you dont have to get one with that feature. Instead, you could just get a case that hugs the back of the tablet and nothing else. Those accessories will be marginally thinner and lighter than their cover-toting counterparts, and give your iPad a more svelte profile. How often should I charge my iPad? How often you charge your iPad will depend on how often you use it. Most iPads will last at least a regular work day with frequent usage, which is one of the reasons why many have opted to use their iPads as laptop replacements. But with heavy usage, like constant video streaming or gaming, will come more rapid battery drain. A good rule of thumb is to charge your iPad when you go to sleep each night, that way youll have a topped-up device waiting for you in the morning.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-ipad-cases-to-protect-your-tablet-130033533.html?src=rss

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