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Department of Anthropology

Anthropology and UX

Knowing technology is one thing, knowing the users is something else.

User Experience (UX) design is about people: understanding the entire process of human interaction with a product—from how easy it is to get and use to visual and emotional appeal. Often this is used in the context of software or other technological products. It always involves designing with input from users: including testing, surveys, interviews, and observations. And those are some of the methods that anthropologists regularly use. UM Anthropology graduates have gone on to work for major tech companies including Meta and LinkedIn.

Holistically trained anthropologists work across the silos often created within marketing, R&D, and decision making chains, and ensure the voice of the everyday user is present throughout the design and delivery process.

Common anthropological skills include:

  • Approaching problems from multiple perspectives while staying cautious of common biases
  • Researching across cultures and within multicultural groups
  • Trend analysis and identification of patterns in consumer behaviors
  • Understanding human motivations and unmet needs
  • Facilitating empathy based, user-centric design research
  • Developing, coordinating, implementing, and analyzing key research methodologies (e.g., focus groups, co-creation, surveys, interviews, in-depth ethnographic studies)
  • Communicating accurate, accessible, and actionable findings and recommendations to stakeholders and decision makers

Anthropologists also apply their skills to understanding organizational culture and improving work processes and productivity.

UX work creates better products and services, decreased costs, increased profits, and benefits for users, organisations, and employees.

Major, Minor, or Advanced Degree?

An undergraduate degree or minor in anthropology provides the practical, user-centered research skills needed to launch a career in UX research and design right after graduation. For those looking to advance further, our department offers pathways every step of the way:

  • BA in Anthropology & BA with a Concentration in Applied Anthropology: Build a strong foundation for direct entry into entry-level and mid-level tech and design careers—such as UX Researcher, Design Researcher, or Consumer Insights Analyst—through practical training in qualitative methods, interviewing, usability testing, and hands-on community projects.

  • Minor in Anthropology & Minor in Applied Anthropology: Perfect for students majoring in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Psychology, Communications, or Business/Marketing who want to boost their hiring potential with robust qualitative research, empathy-driven design, and cultural competencies.

  • Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM): Fast-track your education by earning graduate credits while finishing your bachelor's degree.

  • Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology: For students interested in pursuing senior research roles, product strategy, or management positions down the road, our nationally recognized MA program provides higher-level professional and methodological training.

Full details on all of our undergraduate and graduate degree options, course requirements, and concentration pathways are available at memphis.edu/anthropology.

For more information or advising on how to align your studies with a career in UX, contact Dr. Ted Maclin, Undergraduate Advisor: emaclin1@memphis.edu.