Master's Thesis: The Representation Gap

Abstract:

User experience (UX) practitioners revel in the fundamental belief that the UX field’s goal is to promote a positive user experience for all in the many different industries and services that UX is involved in. With the growing disparity in minority UX practitioners and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs throughout federal agencies and industries across the US, it is harder to envision this goal being achieved in the current state of the industry. This paper presents an interview with a current UX practitioner, a review of opinion articles, and an autoethnographic outlook of the current UX field to address the current state of the UX field. Through this, I find that DEI is not a phenomenon that is meant to be villainized and meant to cause division, but rather a phenomenon that is meant to so be promoted and celebrated as it promotes unity and representation for groups that are underrepresented. My findings provide a unique, yet important perspective on diversity and inclusion in the UX field, as well as provide a foundation that this dynamic can continue to be discussed and promoted in a positive and effective manner. 

Keywords: User experience, DEI, diversity and inclusion, underrepresentation, UX Designers

Note: Currently under review and revision.