November 2025: Volume 21, Issue 1

Introduction

Bill Albert, PhD, James R. (Jim) Lewis, Ph.D

Our November 2025 essay is “Beyond P-Values: Bayesian Approaches for User Experience Research,” by Mohsen Rafiei and Iman Tahamtan. In the essay, they present an introduction to applications of Bayesian analysis in UX research.  This issue also includes two research papers. The first paper is “Improving Wearable Haptics Through Measuring Vibrotactile Sensitivity,” by Batuhan Erkat, […] Read More

Invited Essay

Beyond P-Values: Bayesian Approaches for User Experience Research

by Mohsen Rafiei, PhD, Iman Tahamtan, PhD

Abstract Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST), using p-values and confidence intervals, has long been the standard in user research, particularly in large-sample settings like A/B testing. However, user experience studies often rely on smaller samples, rapid iterations, and design-driven outcomes, in which p-values can be difficult to interpret, and confidence intervals may offer limited practical […] Read More

Peer-Reviewed Articles

Improving Wearable Haptics Through Measuring Vibrotactile Sensitivity 

by O. Batuhan Erkat, Glenn Fernandes, Timo Kunkel, Andrea Fanelli, Jake Zuena, Jaclyn Pytlarz

Abstract Vibrotactile stimulation is becoming an increasingly integrated modality in multimedia experiences through wearable haptic devices in consumer products like smartwatches and VR controllers. Yet, their effectiveness is limited by our understanding of how users perceive vibrotactile feedback in real-world applications. Just as the advancements in haptic technology are crucial for improving fidelity, optimizing existing […] Read More

A Study of Front-End Developers’ Views of UX Professionals: Usability Tests Are Like Unicorns

by Rolf Molich, Jurek Kirakowski

Abstract Despite numerous empirical studies of practices in software development, little is known about cooperation between front-end developers and User Experience (UX) professionals. This paper provides insights into how front-end developers view UX professionals and what they expect from UX professionals. This is important for UX professionals who want to know their users to better […] Read More