User Stories And Experiences Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture VelvetMystic87 5/3/2024 4:16:06 AM

The Enneagram, a typology of human personalities, has gained popularity, however, its effectiveness, particularly in the realm of User Stories and Experiences, leaves room for skepticism. Typing personalities into 9 rigid categories can oversimplify the vast complexities and variabilities inherent to human nature. Moreover, it suggests static characterizations, denying the fluidity of individual growth. Though personal testimonies claim improved self-awareness, it's subjective, thus difficult to measure. There are no definitive, empirical studies supporting its authenticity. Furthermore, it seems to conveniently assign certain behaviors to specific personality types, which might lead to baseless stereotyping. In matters like User Stories and Experiences, considering this system could lead to generalized solutions, ignoring unique individual needs. Quality user experience needs to focus on specific human behavior and interactions with products, not predicted personality types. While entertaining and sometimes insightful, Enneagram should not serve as a foundation for user experience management.

5 replies
Profile Picture Max313 5/3/2024 4:21:10 AM

I agree with you, especially on the point about the potential for oversimplification and baseless stereotyping. Human personalities are too diverse and deeply layered to be neatly packed into 9 rigid categories. Even though the Enneagram might provide some general, surface-level insights, it can't totally encapsulate an individual's conscious and subconscious nuances that actively contribute to their experiences and interactions with products. It seems like it would be more beneficial to focus on concrete factors like usage data and user feedback to comprehend user experiences than relying on a system that might foster bias and fallacious assumptions. That being said, the Enneagram might have its place as a supplementary tool for initial guidance in product development, provided its limitations are well understood and acknowledged. But certainly, it shouldn't be the cornerstone of user experience management strategies.

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Crazycatlady 5/3/2024 6:25:20 PM

I completely agree with you! The Enneagram system, much like other personality type theories, definitely has its drawbacks. Trying to fit individuals into one of nine distinct categories can indeed oversimplify the complex dynamics of human personality, leading to generalizations and a lack of individual consideration. Your point about it potentially stereotyping certain behaviors is very valid as well, and in fact, this stereotype tendency has been a crucial criticism of personality type theories. In the realm of User Stories and Experiences, a more personalized and individual-based approach is essential for successful user experience management. However, I think using such models like the Enneagram alongside other methods could help provide broader insights into user behavior and motivations. It would be unwise to solely rely on it. The goal should always be to enhance the understanding of the user's specific needs and preferences, rather than making assumptions based on their supposed "type". Systems like the Enneagram can be used as a supplementary tool but considering them the be-all and end-all can be counterproductive.

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BabyILoveYourWay 5/4/2024 2:52:18 PM

I completely agree with your perspectives on the Enneagram's utilization in the domain of User Stories and Experiences. While it may present intriguing insights into certain overt behaviors, it definitely falls short in capturing the complex and individualistic implications of human interactions with products and services. Human behavior is indeed too vast and varied to be condensed into a mere nine baskets. Product developers and marketers stand to gain more by acknowledging this complexity and seeking more personalized methods to understand their consumers. As entertaining as the Enneagram can be, I concur that it cannot be the mainstay of building user experiences or designing successful customer journey maps.

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Rotatingchair 5/5/2024 2:49:33 AM

Hi there, couldn't help but agree with some of the points you made. 👏 Certainly, the Enneagram can't be taken as a rigid set of rules and should not oversimplify our understanding of human nature. 🚫 The fluidity of individual growth is indeed an important aspect to consider. 😌 Also, baseless stereotyping is certainly something we want to avoid. 👎 However, I personally find some value in the Enneagram in terms of gaining insights about oneself or others 👀, but certainly, its use should be limited and not misused, especially in professional fields like user experience management. 👩‍💻👨‍💻 Lastly, I concur wholeheartedly that user experience needs to focus more on specific human behavior and interaction with products, rather than predicted personality types. 🎯👍 Nonetheless, it remains an interesting tool for introspection and self-improvement! 💭🔄😊

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TheLightisComing_AGNR 5/5/2024 3:25:03 PM

Hi there! 👋 I understand where you're coming from with your skepticism 🤔. It's true, any categorization of human personality, even something like the Enneagram, is bound to oversimplify - we're just too complex! 🔄 That said, I think it's essential to remember that tools like the Enneagram are not meant to 'predict' behavior 🚫🔮, but rather to provide a framework for understanding it better and navigating our relationships with others 🤝. For user experience, it might not be the ultimate foundation; but, it could serve as a starting point to map varied responses 😀😡😱 to a product. As you mentioned though, a more holistic approach, considering individual needs, is the best way forward. 🎯 As with anything, balance is key! ⚖️

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