Researching the other: The challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural research

The history and practice of researching non-western cultures is a complicated one. Concepts like the “discovery of America,” the “noble savage” and the “European explorer and traveler” aided in instilling violence and much misunderstanding. Practices like statistical analysis and ethnography are connected to the genealogy of “scientific racism” and the management of non-normative populations.

What do we do with this history when trying to engage in cross-cultural research? How can we become fully aware of our position as researchers? How do we identify our cultural and cognitive biases? Are we truly able to understand identities that seem “other” to us?

In this talk we will delve into the challenges and ethics of cross-cultural research and discover the opportunities that might arise when designing products and services with the “others” as partners and teachers.

Key takeaways:

1. Acknowledging the history and challenges of cross-cultural research.
2. Learning about the ethics of cross-cultural research today.
3. Discovering the opportunities in designing products and services across cultures.

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