Doing Research in Japan

Fieldwork in Japan often looks straightforward on paper, but projects can quietly lose quality through mistranslated stimuli, over-tight recruitment criteria, or session designs that ignore local communication patterns. Executing high-quality user research in Japan requires careful planning and awareness of local operational and cultural factors. This guide outlines our proven workflow across three phases:  Pre-Fieldwork Preparation […]

As the importance of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion has increased in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on accessibility. Designing products and services that are easy for everyone to use is not only socially responsible, but essential to a company’s sustainability.   In UX research, directly incorporating the voices of people with disabilities is […]

For researchers aiming to understand users in their natural environment, home visits are often considered the gold standard. They promise a window into daily routines, spatial habits, and unspoken needs that remote interviews or surveys might miss. However in Japan, this method presents a fascinating paradox: the closer you get to the user, the more […]

As the importance of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion has increased in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on accessibility. Designing products and services that are easy for everyone to use is not only socially responsible, but essential to a company’s sustainability.   In UX research, directly incorporating the voices of people with disabilities is […]

In The Book of Tea, Okakura Tenshin remarked, “Translation is always a treason, and as a Ming author observed, can at its best be only the reverse side of a brocade — all the threads are there, but not the subtlety of color or design.” This powerful statement highlights the fundamental challenge of translation: no […]

Entering the Japanese market presents unique challenges and opportunities for companies worldwide. Japan is known for its distinctive culture, advanced technology, and discerning consumers who expect high-quality products and services. To succeed in this market, it is crucial to go beyond simple translation and engage in thorough localization. UX research plays a vital role in […]

With advancements in medical technology and better access to food and shelter in a globalized market economy, people around the world are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. According to the World Health Organization, the global average for life expectancy has surpassed 70 years, compared to an average just under 47 back in 1950.1 […]

Have you ever wondered what truly separates the good from the great in the realm of international UX research? It’s not just overcoming the language barrier, but also seamlessly navigating cultural nuances to uncover deeper insights. This journey to deeper understanding is paved by an intimate grasp of local contexts, something bilingual UX researchers excel […]

Usability Testing is a process that evaluates the effectiveness and ease of use of a product or service. In this age of agility, the need for faster and more effective testing methods is increasing. RITE（Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation) is an innovative method to meet this need, and we at Uism are actively employing it. […]

When a new concept is being developed, verifying its acceptability is a vital challenge for any company. When hearing UX research, most people immediately think of qualitative research, and only that. At Uism however, we have abundant experience in both qualitative and quantitative research. From our wealth of experience and know-how, we can provide concept […]