Never underestimate the ability of an "academic" to belittle others in regard to their own perceived ability. Designers just fuxx around in photoshop. Sure.

Never underestimate the ability of an "academic" to belittle others in regard to their own perceived ability. Designers just fuxx around in photoshop. Sure. Psychology is pseudo-science. N = 1 is no way to conduct a serious scientific endeavor. Internet psychology? lol Cognitive development / Childhood behavior - Ever hear of COPA? Many developers/designers/projects will never deal with anything front-facing involving anyone under the age of 13. Organization behavior - hmmmm Sociolgy - well.... Education Research - I suppose if your project is focusing on training/education you would want to be practicing best pedagogic practices. Behavioral Economics - Cereally? I don't know how fundamental we need to get into treating our users as "active agents." Can't we just see them as the people they are and still succeed? To conclude, all I can say is from my experience T=the best designers are born, not honed in the hoary halls of the academy, divorced as they are from the real world.