UX Research

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 […]

Generation Z (Gen Z), known for their digital savviness, surprisingly finds value in analog products. Retro vinyls and cameras with film, in particular, have become global trends, with more young people seeing the charm in slightly old and inconvenient retro items. One of the most fascinating aspects of Gen Z is their ability to balance […]

Introduction For those of you who visit Japan to conduct UX research, we know that spending long hours in the field observing and collecting data can be exhausting. One of the things we look forward to during these busy times is, naturally, a delicious meal at lunch. In Japan, bento boxes are common lunch sets […]

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 […]

In the realm of healthcare research, Japan is a unique and challenging market. At Uism, we’ve been at the forefront of bridging the gap for international healthcare companies, and are proud of our track record of diverse projects in the healthcare domain. From conducting concept evaluations with medical professionals and patients, to validation testing of […]