Asif Baki, who leads the Research and Insights team for Next Billion Users at Google, discusses making technology accessible for the next billion users, using smartphones as a remote research platform, the importance of research, and future plans and aspirations for the team.
Google's Next Billion Users Project aims to understand and serve the needs of rapidly growing global communities in Mexico City, Jakarta, and other places by building distinct new ways to meet their needs.
To research the Next Billion Users, the team at Google is exploring innovative research methodologies, such as reimagining surveys, improving data collection in underserved areas, and emphasizing on-the-ground research and engagement with local communities to understand their preferences, behaviors, and pain points.
Deep dives
Understanding the Next Billion Users Project at Google
Google's Next Billion Users Project aims to understand and serve the needs of rapidly growing global communities in Mexico City, Jakarta, and other places. The project is focused on building distinct new ways to meet the needs of these groups, thanks to the efforts of dedicated UX researchers and their partners. The team leverages secondary research to gain insights into these user populations and works towards building products that are universally accessible and relevant. By focusing on the core pillars of knowing the users, collaboration across teams, and building exemplary products, the project aims to address global user needs and make technology easily accessible worldwide.
Methodology Innovation in Researching the Next Billion Users
Researching the Next Billion Users presents unique challenges that require methodological innovation. Traditional research methods may not be suitable for understanding the needs of these diverse user populations. The team at Google is exploring ways to reimagine surveys, improve data collection in underserved areas, and create scalable research methods. They also emphasize the importance of on-the-ground research, spending time in target countries, engaging with local communities, and learning about their preferences, behaviors, and pain points. By innovating research methodologies, the team strives to build better products that meet the distinct needs of the Next Billion Users.
Impact of the Next Billion Users Project
The Next Billion Users Project at Google has already had a significant impact on product development and user experiences. For instance, Google Pay, initially designed for the Indian market, has been adopted globally, reaching users around the world. Files by Google, an app focused on device productivity, originated from insights gathered in India and Brazil, but quickly gained popularity worldwide. The project's research activities have fostered a richer understanding of gender equity online, accessibility, connectivity challenges, small businesses, payments, and other key themes. The goal is for the project's researchers to become subject matter experts, sharing insights and driving industry-wide conversations to better serve the Next Billion Users.
Recommendations for Researching the Next Billion Users
For organizations interested in researching the Next Billion Users, practical steps can be taken even with resource constraints. If travel is possible, researchers should visit target countries, spend time understanding the local culture, and engage in meaningful conversations with the users they are building for. This hands-on approach helps researchers gain firsthand insights that inform product development. When travel is not an option, leveraging secondary research, exploring available literature, and collaborating with local experts can provide valuable insights. By focusing on specific themes and gradually building expertise in those areas, researchers can contribute to improving the experiences and accessibility of products for the Next Billion Users.
When it comes to the internet, who will make up the next huge wave of people to join? At Google’s Next Billion Users project, they have a few ideas. This dedicated group of technologists is asking questions like, “what are the needs of people living in rapidly growing global communities in Mexico City or Jakarta?” And this team, largely thanks to dedicated UX researchers and their partners, is coming up with distinct new ways to serve these groups. Today we’re joined by Asif Baki who leads the Research and Insights team for Next Billion Users at Google. With over 13 years of experience working at Google, Asif is well suited for the challenge. He understands not only the on-the-ground differences that exist, but also the day to day obstacles in trying to bridge them.