Insights, Innovation, and Cross-Cultural Connections at UXCon Vienna 2024

Let’s Talk About UX, Baby! UXCon Vienna 2024 was a stellar experience for both Srijani (UXR Manager, Peepal Design) and I, filled with discovery, curiosity and all things UX. We had an opportunity to explore new ideas, connect with some really cool UX professionals, and discover how the global world of UX research is expanding and evolving.

Although the UX landscape in India has been growing fairly quickly, it was extremely helpful to understand how UX professionals in more developed markets interact with their users through design and research. 

A significant focus of the conference – discussed in both formal talks and informal interactions with fellow UX professionals – was around navigating the complexities of data privacy; particularly informed consent, and the ethical considerations around AI-powered research tools. As someone who works in a country where data privacy regulations are still evolving, and where the use of personal data remains a gray area for many users, I found myself hanging onto every word. I thought about my recent research with low-income groups in India for a leading social media platform – where users didn’t fully understand (or actually care) how their data was being collected, used and shared across the digital products they use. As the landscape in India develops, ensuring that participants feel safe and informed will be vital, and the insights from these discussions will help me improve the way I approach ethics in my own research.

UXCon Vienna definitely earned its title as Europe’s friendliest UX conference. A huge thanks to PeepalDesign for giving me this incredible opportunity. Beyond the conference, the city of Vienna offered its own brand of inspiration, with its stunning architecture and innovative design culture. It felt like a constant reminder that design—whether physical or digital – can reflect and shape the world around us.