Categories: DesignTheoryUX

6 Opposing UX Concepts That Are Really Complementary

As you approach a research project, you are often faced with choices about different methods and concepts. While you consider your options among methods, it may be that opposing methods actually offer a complementary rather than contradictory view of the user experience.

The following pairs of essential concepts are often portrayed as mutually exclusive while, in fact, the elements of each pair complement each other. Understanding the different but often complementary nature of these paired concepts can help improve your research.

  1. Inspection Methods and Usability Testing
  2. Analytic and Empirical Methods
  3. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
  4. Summative and Formative Evaluation
  5. Internal and External Validity
  6. Small and Large Samples

 | Read article

Rob Cowie

Recent Posts

Digital Design & UX in Financial Services: January 2025 Insights

January 2025 has brought a wave of exciting advancements and strategic shifts in the financial…

3 days ago

2024 Absa XDC Conference

Spoke at the inaugural Absa Experience Design Conference on Designing the Future through Prototyping. The…

4 months ago

2024 Absa Design Hackathon

Presented an overview of UX and Design Research concepts and tools to students at the…

5 months ago

Why User Experience Design is so Hard to Get Right

User Experience Design is hard to get right. Good designers begin by attempting to understand…

10 months ago

The Benefits of a Design System: Making Better Products, Faster

Staying in tune with what users want means more loyal customers—and more revenue for companies.…

1 year ago

Democratizing User Research to Innovate and Refine Digital Products

Staying in tune with what users want means more loyal customers—and more revenue for companies.…

1 year ago