Remember the mobile-first revolution? It changed how we design websites by focusing on essential features. Now, it's time for a similar shift in data collection and analytics.
Once, desktop users ruled the web. Websites were feature-packed playgrounds. Mobile users got the short end of the stick with stripped-down "m." versions. Then the mobile-first revolution hit. It prioritized mobile users and essential features, leaving the extras for desktop.
Today, data privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA and ePR have changed the game. We can't hoard user data anymore. This new landscape calls for a "data-minimalist" approach. Collect only what's necessary. Treat additional data as a luxury, collected only with user consent.
Tracking users from start to finish is over. Regulations demand a level of transactional anonymity. It's like walking into a store. You browse, choose, and buy. No prying eyes. Only essential data points, maybe some context if the customer opts in.
In a world of limited data, we need to put User Experience and qualitative research in the spotlight again. UX isn't a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. It's about understanding user needs and behaviors with the data we can ethically collect. Qualitative research adds the human touch that numbers alone can't capture.
AI comes into the picture here. It can analyze limited data sets and extract meaningful insights. Combine that with UX findings, and you get a complete view of what users really want and need.
It's not just about less; it's about better
The mobile-first revolution taught us to focus on essentials. Now, let's apply that to data collection. As we adapt to new privacy norms, UX and qualitative research will become crucial. They'll work alongside AI to help us create ethical, transparent, and user-friendly platforms. It's not just about less; it's about better.