UX work in software startups: A thematic analysis of the literature

Spatial distribution of startup (Gojek and Grab) users in Palembang city, Indonesia

“…Based on the year of establishment, the results showed two categories of startup (Gojek and Grab) users: new and old users (Sayyed-alikhani et al, 2021 ). Over time, startup users are increasing sporadically (Saad et al, 2021 ) because digital communication eases interpersonal interaction. Digital communication is one of the dominant characteristics of the 21st century (Luo, 2021 ); hence, it seems inevitable not to use online digital platforms or applications in this era.…”

“…The number of startup users population increases as more people become familiar with startups (Saad et al, 2021 ) and “new users” and “old users” (Sayyed-alikhani et al, 2021 ) interact with each other (Goldenberg et al, 2009 ; Rand & Rust, 2011 ) using social media to purchase or adopt products (Goldenberg et al, 2007 ). In addition, they use various applications (Rand et al, 2018 ; Serrano & Iglesias, 2016 ).…”

What do software startups need from UX work?

“…Many studies of software engineering in startups have pointed out the need to pay attention to the experience that the product provides to the users, i.e. the user experience (Paternoster et al 2014 ; Giardino et al 2016 ; Hokkanen et al 2016b ; Unterkalmsteiner et al 2016 ; Klotins et al 2019a ; Saad et al 2021 ). There are many definitions for the term user experience (UX) but most focus on the holistic perception that users have of a piece of software’s functionality and quality characteristics (Law et al 2009 ).…”

“…The literature on software startups has discussed UX design as a critical factor that can support teams in the creation of software that brings value to users and businesses (Hokkanen et al 2016b ; Unterkalmsteiner et al 2016 ; Giardino et al 2016 ; Hokkanen and Väänänen-Vainio-Mattila 2015 ; Saad et al 2021 ; Silveira et al 2021 ). Since software startups have limited resources and work with small teams, their activities are run on very tight schedules, and often they do not prioritise the design of UX (Hokkanen et al 2016b ).…”

“…Similarly to Saad et al ( 2021 ) and Hokkanen and Väänänen-Vainio-Mattila ( 2015 ), we use the term UX work to refer to the use of user-centred approaches, practices, and techniques with the purpose of acquiring and applying knowledge about the target audience. Investigation on how to conduct UX work in startups is needed because of the particular conditions under which startups operate, i.e., time pressure and lack of resources (Paternoster et al 2014 ; Hokkanen et al 2016b ; Unterkalmsteiner et al 2016 ; Silveira et al 2021 ).…”