UX Research

Introduction  As UX researchers, we depend on real people to understand their needs, frustrations, and emotional journeys.  But what if we could simulate those people instead?  With generative AI evolving so quickly, there’s been growing interest in using “synthetic users”, meaning AI-generated personas that respond to research prompts as if they were real. These virtual […]

Japan has a long history of taking ideas from other cultures and refining them into something uniquely Japanese. Toilets are no exception. They’ve been transformed into high-tech marvels, complete with heated seats, bidets, dryers, self-cleaning functions, sound masking, all integrated into a compact Washlet.   But here’s the twist. For something so advanced, there are countless […]

Empty space, leaving things out, can speak more strongly than putting them in, and I think that’s very Japanese. — Hiroe Swen (Ceramic Artist) Ma (間), meaning gap, pause, or space, is a spiritual concept of emptiness deeply rooted in Japanese art and culture. It represents the beauty found in the space between things and […]

Studying abroad, I stumbled upon an app that quickly became a daily essential: Too Good To Go. This wildly popular European platform transforms leftover food from cafes and restaurants into “magic bags”, at a wallet-friendly price. Every time I placed an order, I’d find myself eagerly heading to the venue, wondering what goodies awaited me […]

For many international travelers, Japan’s vending machines are an iconic part of the experience. They’re seemingly everywhere, offering pretty much anything. Today, many of these have a cashless payment option installed, providing increased convenience. But what seems straightforward to locals can be baffling for newcomers. While waiting for my flight, I spent 90 minutes watching […]

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 […]

In UX research, the term “insight” is frequently used. If you work in product development or marketing, you’ve likely heard it many times. However, despite its widespread use, “insight” is often confused with another term: “finding.” In the context of UX research, which seeks to deeply understand users’ experiences and improve products or services based […]

When we talk about psychology, especially in the context of understanding human behavior and thought processes, Carl Jung, the father of Analytical Psychology, is a central figure. His theories, such as the collective unconscious and archetypes, offer valuable insights into the symbolic patterns that emerge across different cultures. Jung believed that these archetypes, universal symbols […]

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 […]