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Hi all - this is a free series where I critique anonymized resumes that were submitted to me. If you love the work I do, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter. It helps me continue what I do and putting this kind of work out into the community.
Check out part two here.
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Formulas:
* [Verb] + [what you did] + [quantifier] which resulted in + [measurable or strategic impact]
Example: Ran 4 onboarding interviews with new clients, which resulted in redesigned setup steps and a 25% drop in support tickets.
* [Verb] + [insight you generated] + by [method], leading to + [decision/outcome]
Example: Uncovered usability issues by synthesizing 12 support calls, leading to a streamlined payment flow.
* [Verb] + [collaboration/project] + across [team/org], resulting in + [alignment/change]
Example: Facilitated quarterly review across Product and Ops, resulting in better prioritization and fewer miscommunications.
* [Verb] + [process/tool/project you led or improved] + [how many/who/what] which resulted in + [business/user impact]
Example: Improved onboarding workflow used by 3 teams, which resulted in a 25% reduction in support queries.
* [Verb] + [insight or decision you contributed to] + by [action taken] + leading to + [impact on project/team/metric]
Example: Informed product roadmap by synthesizing 30 customer interviews, leading to launch of 2 new features.
* [Verb] + [communication or output you created] + that influenced + [stakeholders/team] + to [do what]
Example: Created user insight brief that influenced PMs to prioritize accessibility fixes.
* [Verb] + [collaboration you facilitated] + across [teams/functions] + to [goal], resulting in + [change or outcome]
Example: Facilitated weekly cross-functional syncs across Design and Ops to align on support triage, resulting in 30% faster escalation resolution.
* [Verb] + [project or task] + within [timeline or budget], resulting in + [measurable business or user value]
Example: Delivered usability testing project within 2 weeks, resulting in simplified checkout flow and 15% conversion uplift.
* [Verb] + [problem you solved] + by [how you solved it],which [impact/result]
Example: Resolved data duplication issue by implementing a shared tracking template, which reduced manual rework by 80%.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Steve is a games user research consultant, helping teams use player insight to create successful games. He works with publishers, platforms and studios of all sizes to transform their game development process, and build product strategies that combines player data with creativity. He work from ideation to post-launch in order to de-risk game development, and make games players love.
Prior to this he was a senior user researcher for PlayStation and worked on many of their top European titles, including Horizon Zero Dawn, SingStar, the LittleBigPlanet series and the PlayStation VR lineup.
Steve started the Games User Research mentoring scheme, which has linked hundreds of students with industry professionals from top games companies such as Sony, EA, Valve, Ubisoft and Microsoft. He wrote the bestselling book How To Be A Games User Researcher to share the expertise needed to work in the games industry.
He regularly speaks at games industry conferences and on podcasts about games user research + playtesting, and has been recognised as a member of BAFTA. He also wrote the bestselling book Building User Research Teams, and helps teams build impactful research practice in-house.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* The evolution of Steveâs career from early days at PlayStation to running his own games UX consultancy.
* The difference between research in games vs. traditional tech, especially around the lack of discovery work.
* How to measure subjective experiences like âfun,â and why that starts by redefining what âfunâ even means.
* The influence of secrecy, creative ownership, and marketing pressure on research methods in the games industry.
* Real-world methods used in games UX, like mass playtesting labs and segment-based multiplayer analysis.
Some takeaways:
* Research in games is heavily evaluative. Unlike traditional UX, which often starts with uncovering user needs, games UX usually kicks in once thereâs a playable prototype. Because the âuser needâ in games is often just âmake it fun,â research is focused more on assessing emotional impact and usability than on early-stage exploration.
* Measuring fun is both subjective and contextual. Teams often ask, âIs this fun?ââbut that question is too broad to act on. Steve explains that researchers must first help define what kind of fun is intended, whether thatâs emotional engagement, replay behavior, or challenge. Only then can appropriate metrics or qualitative signals be applied.
* Creative ownership adds complexity to stakeholder management. Games are seen as artistic work. Designers may be deeply emotionally invested in their ideas, which can make it harder to embrace critical feedback. This makes relationship-building, empathy, and framing feedback constructively especially important in games UX.
* Secrecy shapes everything, from methods to sampling. Due to high financial stakes and aggressive marketing timelines, games researchers often canât test publicly. This leads to lab-based studies with high participant control. Mass playtesting labs (20â80 people at once) are common for running controlled, large-scale tests without leaking content.
* Toxicity and matchmaking need research too. Games with multiplayer or social components must test how players interact, especially when strangers are thrown together online. Teams look at voice/chat features, segmentation by playstyle, and matchmaking fairness to reduce toxicity and create balanced experiences.
Where to find Steve:
* Website
* LinkedIn
* Twitter/X
* BlueSky
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, I cover:
* Common mistakes teams make when prototype testing becomes routine or rushed.
* A method for deciding whether a prototype test is even the right approach.
* Clear goal-setting techniques that make your test focused and relevant.
* How to define metrics that show both research quality and product value.
* Writing user tasks that reflect real behavior and reveal friction points.
Key Takeaways:
* Low-fidelity prototypes limit learning. If your design doesnât give people room to explore, or fail, you wonât see how they truly interact with it. Higher fidelity versions are much more effective for unmoderated studies.
* Not every question needs a usability test. If youâre looking to understand motivations or needs, observing task flows may not be the right method. Start by asking what kind of data youâre actually trying to gather.
* Goals guide everything. Strong prototype tests begin with clear goals. They shape the tasks, help with team alignment, and create a direct line between what you learn and what changes.
* Track outcomes that matter to your team. Define a few ways youâll measure success before the test begins, such as friction points found, task completion behaviors, or whether changes from the study affect real usage.
* Write tasks people can relate to. Use short, specific scenarios rooted in familiar behavior. Instead of vague prompts, give people a purpose and context so their actions reflect how theyâd use the product in real life.
The prototype guide:
Grab the full prototype guide with all the examples and formulas here and try it out with your next project (or with a project you recently did!).
Try Optimal:
Want to try this out on Optimal? You can grab a 20% discount using code Prototype2025 at checkout
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Erik is a behavioral scientist with a passion for understanding how people, especially kids, interact with digital experiences. He works at The LEGO Group, where he leads behavioral research to create safer, more inspiring, and more playful digital spaces for children. He specializes in using behavioral science, experimentation, and innovative research methodologies to uncover what kids need and love in digital play.
Beyond his professional role, he is a self-proclaimed research methodology nerd, always exploring better ways to understand and test how kids engage with the digital world.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* Why ecological validity is critical to meaningful product testing and what it means in practice.
* How Erik approaches testing with kids at LEGO, including the need for playful environments and cognitive load considerations.
* The pitfalls of lab-based research and why researchers must move beyond âzoo-likeâ conditions to see real-world behavior.
* Ways to mitigate social desirability and authority bias, especially when conducting research with children.
* How remote research, diary studies, and mixed methods can provide deeper behavioral insightsâif done with context in mind.
Some takeaways:
* Validity is about realism. Erik defines ecological validity as the extent to which research reflects real-world behavior. While traditional labs optimize for internal validity, in product development, what matters is whether your findings will translate when people are distracted, tired, or juggling multiple tasks.
* Donât study lions at the zoo. One of Erikâs standout metaphors urges researchers to avoid overly sanitized environments. Testing products in sterile labs might remove variables, but it also strips away the chaotic, layered reality where your product must actually succeed. Aim for the âSerengetiâânot the zoo.
* Researching with kids requires creativity, play, and caution.
Kids arenât small adults, they process and respond differently. Erik emphasizes using play as a language, minimizing cognitive load, and focusing on behavioral observation over verbal responses. A child saying âI loved itâ means little if they looked disengaged the whole time.
* Remote testing can work if grounded in real-life context. Remote methods like diary studies and follow-up interviews can capture valuable insights, especially if paired with contextual in-person research first. The key is triangulating methods and validating self-reports with observed behavior.
* Think beyond usability, map the behavior chain. A productâs ease of use in isolation means little if the behavior it enables is derailed by real-life obstacles. Erik illustrates this with a simple example: refilling soap sounds easy until youâre cold, wet, and have other priorities. Designing for behavior means understanding the entire chain around your product.
Where to find Erik:
* LinkedIn
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Petra Kubalcik is an accomplished user research professional with over two decades of international experience. Originating from Australia, she has honed her research skills across Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, Czech Republic, and most recently, Germany. Petra has led research teams at Dyson, Cookpad and currently serves as Head of User Research at Omio. She is a champion of user-centricity, ensuring that user perspectives remain central to strategy, innovation and development. Petra has personally conducted research in over 40 countries, bringing a global perspective to her work. Outside of her professional endeavors, she is dedicated to volunteering, sailing, woodworking and supporting the Wallabies.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* Why continuous discovery is often misunderstood and how separating continuous from discovery can clarify your goals.
* What makes a strong foundation for setting up a continuous discovery program, including the importance of stakeholder goals and UX maturity.
* How to design effective cadences and role-sharing models depending on whether youâre doing discovery or continuous touchpoints.
* The artifacts and outputs that make these programs sustainable and useful, from pathway playbooks to Miro boards.
* Red flags that indicate you shouldnât implement continuous discovery and what to do instead.
Some takeaways:
* Continuous discovery is not always discovery. Petra emphasizes that many stakeholders use the term continuous discovery when they really mean frequent customer touchpoints. Researchers need to clarify whether the goal is to explore new insights (discovery) or simply maintain regular user input and adjust the program accordingly.
* Start with a crystal-clear âwhy.â Without a well-defined reason for starting continuous discovery, the effort can quickly become unsustainable or directionless. Petra urges researchers to treat these programs like any other research project: define the objective, understand stakeholder needs, and forecast what success looks like. Your âwhyâ will be your compass when things get difficult.
* Programs must match UX maturity and resources. Continuous discovery isnât right for every organization. Petra warns against starting these programs in low-maturity teams with limited resources, unclear goals, or minimal stakeholder buy-in. If youâre fighting at every step, you risk burnout and low-impact work.
* Cadence and involvement should flex by context. A one-size-fits-all cadence doesnât work. For light-touch programs with PMs or designers leading sessions, weekly or biweekly cadences might work. For true discovery efforts, a slower pace is essential to allow for iteration, depth, and evolution in the research plan.
* Build reusable frameworks and artifacts to lighten the load. To scale continuous discovery, Petra recommends investing in repeatable templates such as objective-setting docs, note-taking guides, playbooks, and pre-aligned outputs. For example, a âpathway playbookâ outlines flows users will walk through and provides a structured format for collecting and analyzing data. These tools ensure quality while keeping researchers sane.
Where to find Petra:
* LinkedIn
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Javier is a User Experience Research Director with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He is passionate about building effective research organizations that scale and deliver critical user insights that help teams develop successful products that delight users. He has a proven track record of career development and coaching.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* The difference between strategic and tactical insights, not methods and why that distinction matters.
* How to navigate the perceived âversusâ between strategic and tactical research and instead embrace a more fluid, problem-driven approach.
* Ways to embed strategic insights into product planning through tools like âstrategic primers.â
* How to deliver value in both tactical and strategic spacesâand earn your seat at the table in high-level planning.
* How researchers can broaden their method toolkit to avoid defaulting to the same approaches and unlock new kinds of insights.
Some takeaways:
* Strategic and tactical are outcomes, not methods. Javier emphasizes that insights, not research methods, determine whether something is strategic or tactical. Usability tests can uncover strategic direction, and field studies can surface tactical improvements. Researchers need to move away from labeling methods and focus on the value the insights provide to the business.
* You canât influence strategy if youâre not in the room. Delivering a compelling presentation isnât enough. To make strategic insights actionable, researchers need to be present during planning and roadmap discussions. If youâre not sure when strategic planning happens, thatâs a red flag and an invitation to start earning your seat by solving the right problems.
* âStrategic primersâ help researchers shape roadmaps. One of Javierâs teams developed strategic primers: succinct, insight-packed documents delivered ahead of planning cycles. These primers synthesize research and industry knowledge into clear recommendations, helping PMs and leaders use research to guide direction-setting conversations.
* Thereâs no seniority in choosing tactics over strategy. Some researchers fall into the trap of avoiding tactical work as they become more senior. But successful researchers move between both as needed, supporting teams through every phase of development. Avoiding tactical work can disconnect you from the product and from impact.
* Stop chasing âstrategic work, and, instead, solve the right problems. Rather than seeking out work that feels more senior or impressive, Javier encourages researchers to focus on the problems that matter most to the business. When you deliver insights that move the team forward, strategic or tactical, you build trust, influence, and long-term value.
Where to find Javier:
* Website
* LinkedIn
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Camila Borja is a User Research expert with almost 15 years of experience, driving insights for companies like Zalando, SumUp, and ItaĂş. She leads strategic projects, trains teams in research methods, and has worked with global brands such as J&J, Sanofi, and Disney. With a degree in Public Relations and Public Opinion, Camila is a dedicated problem-solver who bridges research and business to deliver impactful results.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* What âresearch theaterâ really means and how it undermines the value of user insights across organizations.
* The risks of continuous discovery becoming a buzzword-driven process with little depth or direction.
* The internal conflict researchers face when stakeholders ask to bury insights that donât fit the roadmap.
* Why junior researchers are especially vulnerable to being pulled into performative work and how to protect against it.
* How senior researchers can shift into a more strategic role by partnering with stakeholders and driving conversations, not just insights.
Some takeaways:
* Research theater can distort data and erode trust. Camila explains that research theatre often arises when teams mimic the motions of good research without actually delivering depth or insight. Whether itâs cherry-picked data, rushed usability tests, or stakeholder-directed outcomes, the result is the same: decisions based on illusion rather than reality. The impact is compounded because it corrupts the foundation, the data. that other decisions rely on.
* Continuous discovery needs rigor, not just speed. While continuous discovery can be powerful, Camila argues that it often turns into a performance, such as 30-minute calls each week with no clear direction, biased questions, and very little impact. Without intention and structure, these rituals drain researcher time and produce low-value outcomes, threatening the credibility of the practice.
* Junior researchers are often set up to perform, not investigate. Early-career researchers can easily be pulled into validation work or asked to execute a process without context. They may lack the confidence or experience to challenge requests. Study the foundational theory, ask why relentlessly, and avoid blindly accepting stakeholder requests that donât serve users.
* To escape the theatrics, researchers must become business partners. Senior researchers should step beyond insight delivery and into the role of strategic advisors. That means building relationships, staying close to decisions, and understanding stakeholder motivations. Camila urges researchers to ask whatâs driving decisions and find the middle ground between user needs and business realities.
* Avoiding theater always starts with asking âwhy?â Whether itâs a stakeholder request for a marketplace feature or a directive to skip over certain findings, researchers must stay curious. Asking why isnât just for participants, itâs also for ourselves and our teams. This curiosity is what transforms research from performance into progress.
Where to find Camila:
* Dicas da Camila Youtube
* LinkedIn
* Medium
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Lucia is a Senior User Researcher and Program Manager at Haigo, a design agency in Paris. Over the past six years, she has worked with clients across industries like healthcare, aviation, banking, insurance, and culture, helping them build user-centered products and services.
She has also taught user research to university students and professionals through Haigoâs applied programs.
Some of her favorite projects include:
* Leading research on accessibility needs for people with cognitive disabilities, enabling an insurance company to create better services.
* Improving passenger information for the Parisian metro.
* Enhancing professional software for a data company in aviation.
* Designing services for a pharmaceutical company to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses.
Lucia is passionate about leveraging design and research to create impactful, inclusive, and user-friendly solutions.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* The dynamic nature of agency work, balancing multiple projects across different industries and the skill of switching contexts effectively.
* Navigating new industries as a researcher, embracing the learning curve, and using an outsider perspective as an advantage.
* Building strong client relationships, moving beyond a transactional role to becoming a trusted partner in their process.
* Handling pushback from clients, especially when they come with predetermined research methods that may not be effective.
* Presenting research insights effectively, tailoring the messaging to different audiences, from core teams to high-level stakeholders.
Some takeaways:
* Starting in a new industry can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with highly technical fields like aviation or healthcare. However, taking time to talk to experts, ask naive questions, and connect the dots gradually builds confidence. Researchers should embrace the learning process and leverage their outsider perspective to surface fresh insights.
* Rather than maintaining a client-supplier relationship, agency researchers should integrate themselves into teams, aligning with their goals and challenges. Simple efforts like attending office days, informal coffee chats, and showing genuine interest in their work help foster trust. When clients view researchers as partners, they are more likely to value and act on insights.
* When clients insist on specific research methods (like surveys), the key is to understand their underlying goals first. Instead of outright rejection, engage them in a conversation about what they hope to achieve, then suggest alternative approaches that could yield better results. Providing case studies and demonstrating past successes helps build credibility and guide them toward the right methods.
* A single research report wonât work for everyoneâstakeholders have different priorities and time constraints. Weekly check-ins keep core teams engaged, while high-level stakeholders need concise, action-driven summaries. Pairing qualitative insights with relevant data points enhances credibility, ensuring findings resonate with decision-makers.
* The best way to ensure research is taken seriously is by maintaining clear methodologies, well-organized deliverables, and a strong narrative. High-quality reports and structured presentations give research the weight it deserves. Making insights easy to digestâthrough visuals, summaries, and strategic framingâhelps organizations act on research more effectively.
Where to find Lucia:
* LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-rubio-caballeros
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Prama has spent the last decade working across India, Germany, and the UK in various research roles, and I'm currently a Staff UX Researcher at HubSpot in London.
She loves tackling research challenges where traditional approaches need rethinking - whether that's bringing drivers' needs in India front and centre to Uber's product development, helping businesses scale on Zalando, or most recently, enabling small businesses to grow using the products offered by Meta and HubSpot.
She is passionate about developing research methods that balance speed with rigor in fast-moving product environments. She recently explored this in her article "Continuous Discovery Programs need an OS," and sheâs now writing about designing and scaling rapid research practices for sales-driven companies.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* How continuous discovery acts as an operational framework rather than a new research methodology and why itâs essential for scaling research within product teams.
* The challenge of integrating deep research insights with the fast-moving pace of product growth.
* How triangulation and structured processes help increase confidence in findings while maintaining speed.
* Why continuous discovery is best suited for generative research and evergreen insights rather than tactical usability testing.
* The necessity of working with product, marketing, and sales teams to make continuous discovery impactful and sustainable.
Some takeaways:
* Continuous discovery is often misunderstood as just frequent user interviews. Instead, itâs a structured framework that allows research to scale alongside product development. It helps teams collect insights regularly, adapt questions over time, and ensure research is integrated into decision-making at the right moments. When executed well, it prevents research from becoming either too slow or too shallow.
* A major concern in user research is that fast-paced discovery leads to weak, unreliable insights. However, Prama explains that speed and quality can coexist if processes are thoughtfully designed. By structuring data collection, using qualitative surveys, and leveraging ongoing research efforts, teams can maintain high standards while keeping up with business needs.
* Not all research questions are suited for continuous discovery. Instead of focusing on highly specific, short-term problems, continuous discovery thrives when exploring broad, generative questions that evolve over time. Researchers should evaluate whether a question remains relevant across different segments and timeframes before including it in an ongoing discovery framework.
* For continuous discovery to be effective, it requires alignment with key stakeholders, including product managers, marketers, and customer support teams. Researchers should actively collaborate with these teams, leverage their existing data, and co-create research priorities. Transparency in findings also ensures that insights are actionable and widely adopted.
* Unlike traditional research projects with a clear start and end, continuous discovery evolves over time. Research questions refine, insights deepen, and methodologies adjust based on what has been learned. The key to success is setting up a system that allows for flexibility, ensures regular touchpoints, and keeps stakeholders engaged in the research process.
Where to find Prama:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prama1007/
* Pramaâs Medium: https://medium.com/@pramaneeraja_12112
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Kamila has a background in Anthropology and Human Ethology, which has always fueled her curiosity about people and their behaviors. However, she started my career in management consulting at KPMG but quickly realized how much she missed research. Thatâs when she discovered user research and knew it was the perfect fit for her. She joined a software company, Avast, where she worked her way up, learning the ins and outs of the field. After the tech industry faced a wave of layoffs, she took the leap into freelancing. Since then, she has worked with both small teams and large corporations, building a network of clients that keeps me inspired and engaged.
Research isn't just work for herâit's what keeps her curious and motivated every day. And when she isnât researching or chatting about it, you probably (wonât) find her getting lost in the mountains or exploring remote landscapes.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* How Kamila moved from an in-house user research role to freelancing and the key factors in making that decision.
* Why freelancing is more than just researchâcovering project management, finances, marketing, and self-discipline.
* How to frame your experience in a way that resonates with business-minded clients and attracts the right opportunities.
* Understanding pricing models (hourly, project-based, day rate) and how to ensure your work is financially sustainable.
* The importance of networking, proactive outreach, and leveraging word-of-mouth to build a steady pipeline of work.
Some takeaways:
* Freelancing is not just about research; itâs a business. Becoming a freelance user researcher means wearing multiple hatsâproject manager, salesperson, accountant, and marketer. Success depends on mastering these additional skills, not just research expertise, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with being your own boss. Structuring your time and processes efficiently is just as crucial as delivering high-quality research work.
* Confidence and stakeholder management are essential skills. One of the biggest differences between in-house and freelance work is the ability to push back on requests, frame research in business terms, and advocate for the right methods. New freelancers should be prepared to confidently lead discussions with clients, translating research findings into language that executives and product teams understand. Without strong stakeholder management, freelance researchers risk being seen as order-takers rather than strategic partners.
* Your portfolio should highlight business impact, not just research methods. Potential clients care less about research techniques and more about measurable outcomes. A strong portfolio should emphasize how research influenced revenue, engagement, or decision-making rather than detailing methodologies. Tailoring case studies to align with each potential clientâs industry and specific challenges will significantly increase the chances of securing work.
* Pricing correctly prevents burnout. When setting freelance rates, account for more than just living expensesâconsider taxes, health insurance, vacation time, and unpaid work (such as admin and sales). Many new freelancers undercharge and struggle financially as a result, leading to overwork and stress. Planning for financial sustainability early on ensures long-term success and allows for flexibility when taking on projects.
* Finding work requires proactive outreach. Clients donât magically appear, and waiting for inbound inquiries is rarely a reliable strategy, especially at the beginning. Successful freelancers attend networking events, directly reach out to potential clients, and sometimes offer small audits or heuristic evaluations to showcase value. A consistent effort in building relationships and demonstrating expertise often leads to referrals, which can become the most stable source of income over time.
Where to find Kamila:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamila-boudova-ux/
* ADP List: https://adplist.org/mentors/kamila-boudova
The Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think bigger
You know your craft. Youâve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. Youâre ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, letâs be honest, thatâs not always easy.
Thatâs where the Impact Membership comes in.
This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. Itâs a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:
* Turn research into influence â Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.
* Break out of the research silo â Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.
* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve â Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.
Why join now?
* You donât have to figure this out alone â Every member is carefully selected, so youâre learning alongside people who truly get it.
* Get real value, fast â No fluff, no generic adviceâjust focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.
* Make it work for you â Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, thereâs no pressureâjust a space designed for impact without overwhelm.
Membership fee: ÂŁ627/year or ÂŁ171/quarter
This isnât just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.
Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If youâre ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, weâd love to have you.
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Check out my UXR AI prompt library, designed to help you become more efficient and effective as a user researcher!
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Anne-Charlotte Triple is a Senior UX Researcher at Payfit, a leading HR and payroll software company. After spending 10 years conducting research in humanitarian aid across conflict zones, she made the switch to tech during her pregnancy. With a PhD in sociology and experience working with organizations like UNICEF and the World Bank, she first joined LiveMentor, an EdTech platform helping entrepreneurs develop their business, before moving to Payfit.
What makes her story interesting is how she's adapted her research skills from crisis zones to tech products, while maintaining the same core focus: understanding human needs to create meaningful impact. She's also become quite the AI enthusiast â though she'll be the first to tell you why human insight still matters most.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* Anne Charlotte shares her journey from academia and humanitarian work to UX research in tech, highlighting the transferable skills and challenges in the transition.
* Despite technological advancements, fundamental research methods remain constant, while tools have evolved to increase efficiency and accuracy.
* Adaptability is crucial for user researchers, but it must be applied strategically to ensure meaningful impact without being overwhelmed.
* AI offers opportunities to streamline time-consuming tasks, but it requires careful use to maintain research rigor and avoid misinformation.
* Building strong relationships and adapting communication styles to different teams help ensure research findings drive actionable business decisions.
Interested in diving into using AI in your research to make you more efficient and effective (and to help you focus on the good parts of UXR)? Check out my AI prompt library.
Some takeaways:
* Successful researchers donât just adapt to changesâthey do so strategically. Start with small experiments, learn what works, and gradually scale. Whether itâs new methodologies, tools, or team dynamics, staying flexible while maintaining a clear focus ensures long-term success.
* While AI can automate transcription and data synthesis, itâs crucial to cross-check insights manually to maintain accuracy and depth. Researchers should use AI to free up time for deeper analysis, rather than relying on it for interpreting complex human behaviors.
* Understanding how different teams consume informationâwhether they prefer reports, quick summaries, or visualsâis essential. Tailoring research outputs to their needs ensures that insights are actionable and drive real business value.
* Researchers should avoid the trap of constantly seeking new tools. Instead, focus on mastering a few that truly improve workflow efficiency, such as AI for transcription and synthesis, while maintaining a hands-on approach to interpretation.
* Rather than trying to collaborate with everyone, focus on building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. Regular check-ins, early involvement in research projects, and aligning research goals with business priorities foster trust and greater impact.
Where to find Anne-Charlotte:
* LinkedIn
The Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think bigger
You know your craft. Youâve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. Youâre ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, letâs be honest, thatâs not always easy.
Thatâs where the Impact Membership comes in.
This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. Itâs a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:
* Turn research into influence â Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.
* Break out of the research silo â Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.
* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve â Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.
Why join now?
* You donât have to figure this out alone â Every member is carefully selected, so youâre learning alongside people who truly get it.
* Get real value, fast â No fluff, no generic adviceâjust focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.
* Make it work for you â Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, thereâs no pressureâjust a space designed for impact without overwhelm.
Membership fee: ÂŁ627/year or ÂŁ171/quarter
This isnât just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.
Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If youâre ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, weâd love to have you.
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
â
Maureen is an accomplished User Researcher & Service Designer with 7 years of industry experience across diverse fields. Her design & research efforts support decision-making in highly technical problem spaces, ranging from global health policy-making, local economics, and most recently, product design for enterprise software for Commercial Property Insurance provider, FM Global. Maureen utilizes expertise in data visualization to craft clear, compelling storytelling for designers through to Senior leadership. In addition to her product work, sheâs also a mentor and leader, working 1:1 with aspiring UX Researchers through ADPList, and collaborating directly with Senior management to develop training initiatives and resources for FM Globalâs 40-person UX organization.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* Understanding how low-maturity organizations hire UX professionals but struggle with integration and decision-making.
* The importance of adopting a challenge mindset to overcome organizational constraints and thrive despite them.
* Building deeper relationships with stakeholders by understanding their goals and positioning yourself as a valuable partner.
* How to create opportunities for career advancement by focusing on high-impact work and identifying organizational needs.
* Effective strategies for presenting research and feedback in a way that fosters collaboration and reduces defensiveness.
Some takeaways:
* Recognizing where your organization falls on UX maturity scales (such as Nielsen Normanâs model) helps in setting realistic expectations and strategies. Itâs essential to acknowledge that a low-maturity organization is not a reflection of your skills but rather an environmental challenge to navigate.
* Embracing a challenge mindset, rather than a threat response, helps researchers see constraints as opportunities for innovation. Viewing colleagues as allies rather than obstacles fosters more productive relationships and enables better advocacy for user research.
* Just as researchers advocate for user empathy, they should extend that same empathy to stakeholders. Understanding their business goals and collaborating rather than competing fosters trust and mutual success.
* In low-maturity environments, career growth isnât always linear. Researchers should proactively seek high-value work, propose solutions to persistent challenges, and align their work with business priorities to demonstrate impact.
* When working with resistant stakeholders, depersonalizing feedback using structured formats (like user requirements documents) helps focus discussions on problem-solving rather than blame, creating a more collaborative environment.
Where to find Maureen:
* Website
* LinkedIn
The Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think bigger
You know your craft. Youâve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. Youâre ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, letâs be honest, thatâs not always easy.
Thatâs where the Impact Membership comes in.
This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. Itâs a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:
* Turn research into influence â Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.
* Break out of the research silo â Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.
* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve â Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.
Why join now?
* You donât have to figure this out alone â Every member is carefully selected, so youâre learning alongside people who truly get it.
* Get real value, fast â No fluff, no generic adviceâjust focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.
* Make it work for you â Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, thereâs no pressureâjust a space designed for impact without overwhelm.
Membership fee: ÂŁ627/year or ÂŁ171/quarter
This isnât just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.
Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If youâre ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, weâd love to have you.
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Check out my UXR AI prompt library, designed to help you become more efficient and effective as a user researcher!
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
â
Jorge Arango is an information architect, author, and educator. For the past three decades, he has used architectural thinking to bring clarity and direction to digital projects for clients ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Heâs the author of Duly Noted: Extend Your Mind Through Connected Notes, Living in Information: Responsible Design for Digital Places, co-author of Information Architecture: for the Web and Beyond, and host of The Informed Life podcast. Besides consulting, writing, and podcasting, Jorge also teaches in the graduate interaction design program at the California College of the Arts.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* How AI is becoming a transformational technology for UX design, akin to the emergence of the web decades ago.
* The limitations of AI, emphasizing its role in augmenting human work rather than replacing it.
* Jorgeâs experiences with AI in both the research phase and content taxonomy applications for information architecture.
* Tips for understanding and integrating AI tools into UX workflows, moving beyond chat-based interfaces like ChatGPT.
* The importance of approaching AI with curiosity and seeing it as a way to enhance, rather than disrupt, traditional workflows.
Jorge recently released a self-driven course for folks wanting to learn about information architecture.
Some takeaways:
* AI tools are best used to enhance human efficiency, allowing professionals to perform tasks at greater scale and speed. For instance, large website analysis becomes more feasible with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, enabling quicker insights without compromising accuracy.
* Not all AI tools are suitable for every UX process. Effective use requires tailoring tools to specific phases, such as research or content taxonomy, and understanding their strengths and limitations, like context window sizes or text-based limitations.
* AIâs potential is often misunderstood due to hype or fear. Developing a hands-on relationship with AI tools dispels misconceptions, revealing their actual capabilities and boundaries, such as their reliance on user input for quality output.
* Rather than delegating entire tasks to AI, think of it as a collaborative editor. Prompts like âWhat am I missing?â can provide fresh perspectives on drafts or reports, enhancing the final product without diluting human expertise.
* Viewing AI through a lens of opportunity rather than threat helps professionals integrate it constructively into workflows. This involves learning about non-chat-based AI tools and exploring new use cases, fostering innovation and efficiency in UX practices.
Where to find Jorge:
* Website: https://jarango.com
* LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jarango
* Twitter/X: https://x.com/jarango
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
â
Kate stepped into a design strategist role at Constant Contact earlier this year, where she is focused on integrating GenAI capabilities into their email and digital marketing software to address long-standing user needs of small business owners. Previously, she spent five years honing her skills in mixed-methods research at Constant Contact as well as the Bentley University user experience center where she helped clients in different industries make their technology easier to use. Kate holds a Masterâs in Human Factors in Information Design from Bentley University and a Bachelorâs from Colgate University. A self-described digital renaissance woman, she has worn many hats across her career, giving her a unique perspective on product development. Sheâs passionate about reimagining the future of technology through a thoughtful blend of user insights and emerging innovations.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* The evolution from user research to strategy roles and how this transition enhances decision-making and business alignment.
* Balancing user needs with business goals, emphasizing that they are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.
* Practical steps to integrate strategic thinking into research tasks and presentations, such as adding broader implications to findings.
* Building relationships and co-creating roles to ensure alignment and foster collaboration across departments.
* The role of intention setting in career transitions and how vision exercises can help clarify personal and professional goals.
Check out the goal statement exercise here:
Some takeaways:
* Research findings need to connect to actionable opportunities. To make research impactful, include a âbroader implicationsâ slide in your presentations. This slide should tie research insights to organizational objectives and explore strategic opportunities. For instance, findings from usability tests can highlight broader trends or gaps in user behavior, fostering discussions on larger business implications.
* Strategic roles require co-creation and proactive definition. Rather than relying solely on job descriptions, take an active role in shaping your position. Write down what you want to do, combining personal strengths with business needs. Discuss this vision with stakeholders to align expectations and gain buy-in for new responsibilities.
* Building cross-departmental relationships is essential. Collaboration thrives on strong interpersonal connections. Initiate coffee chats or casual discussions with stakeholders from other teams. Leverage mutual connections to expand your network and gain insights into how different departments operate, facilitating smoother collaboration on strategic projects.
* Career transitions benefit from goal-setting exercises. Set intentions by envisioning your future role in detail. Write a goal statement describing your ideal position, the work youâd like to do, and how youâll feel upon achieving it. Review this regularly to keep your actions aligned with your long-term aspirations.
* Strategic thinking marries user and business needs. Adopt a holistic approach where user insights are not seen in isolation but as a means to drive business success. For example, service blueprints and customer journey maps should not only outline user pain points but also identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and profitability.
Where to find Kate:
* Website
* LinkedIn
* Substack
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? Iâm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this conversation, I cover:
* The shift towards democratizing tasks like usability testing and surveys, and how AI might take over repetitive research processes
* Moving away from evaluative tasks and stepping into more strategic roles that involve partnering with businesses to shape long-term goals
* Focusing on uncovering unknown unknowns through generative research to find innovative solutions and disrupt existing market spaces
* The importance of not just responding to requests but proactively identifying research opportunities that can drive business growth
* Helping teams, especially in low-maturity environments, understand and incorporate user research into strategic business decisions
* How user researchers can assist companies in anticipating future trends and unmet needs, rather than simply improving existing processes
Some takeaways:
* With AI and automation, tasks like usability testing will increasingly be democratized within teams or handled by AI, allowing researchers to focus on higher-level strategic work
* User researchers need to evolve into thought partners, working closely with business teams to guide strategy and innovation
* Instead of just enhancing existing products, researchers should focus on uncovering unmet needs and unknown unknowns that can lead to disruptive innovations
* By conducting generative research, researchers can identify new opportunities and adjacent markets that companies havenât considered yet
* Researchers should move towards proactive research, driving the exploration of new ideas and strategies rather than waiting for stakeholders to bring them projects
References:
* The User Research Strategist Book Waitlist
đĽ Unlock even more value
We all know that the field of user research is changing. We need to move beyond basic tasks like usability testing and surveys. These tasks will become more democratized or automated through AI. Instead of being scared of this shift (and fighting it), we can use it to our advantage to finally move into a strategic space as user researchers.
We can shift into the business space and lead as dot connectors, thought partners, and innovators within our field. We can demonstrate the exact ROI of our impactful research work and showcase our incredible value. We need to become strategic user researchers. Ready for your shift?
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Dale from the UK, currently based in Italy, is a UX Researcher with 4 years experience working in fields such as the Space, Sustainability and Marketing Industries, and currently hosting the UXR Minds Podcast. His mission is to help new and aspiring UX Researchers break into the field by sharing informative episodes on best practices and trends in the industry. In our conversation, we discuss:
* Daleâs experience of a six-month job hunt in the UX research field.
* The emotional toll of rejections, ghosting, and lack of responses.
* Strategies for staying proactive, including networking on LinkedIn and refining resumes.
* The importance of maintaining personal growth and mental health during a job search.
Dale hosts the amazing UXR Minds podcast, where he dedicates his time to guiding new user researchers or those interested in the field. Highly recommend listening!
Some takeaways:
* Daleâs six-month job hunt highlights the challenges of breaking into or progressing in competitive fields like UX research. His experience shows that even with in-house and freelance work on your resume, securing interviews can be difficult due to market saturation and economic downturns. Regularly update your portfolio and resume to reflect your latest projects, and tailor each application to the specific role to stand out in a competitive market.
* Dale discusses how rejection emails and ghosting from potential employers can take a mental toll. He tracks his job applications to better understand response rates and gauge where improvements might be needed. Start tracking your job applications in a spreadsheet. Log the role, company, application date, and any follow-up actions. This will help you identify patterns in your applications and fine-tune your approach
* Rather than relying solely on job boards, Dale finds more success by being active on LinkedIn and reaching out directly to hiring managers or heads of UX. This has led to meaningful conversations, which can open doors even if they donât result in immediate offers. Spend at least 30 minutes each day engaging on LinkedInâcomment on relevant posts, connect with professionals in your field, and send personalized messages to hiring managers. When messaging, focus on building a relationship rather than directly asking for a job.
* Job hunting can be all-consuming, but Dale advises setting boundaries to protect your personal life. He recommends allocating specific days or blocks of time for job search activities while using the rest of the time for family, hobbies, or volunteering. Schedule job search activities like a workday, with clear start and end times. For example, dedicate mornings to updating resumes and afternoons to networking, then disconnect for the evening. This structured approach prevents burnout and allows for mental recharging.
* One of Daleâs core messages is to stay true to yourself during interviews and networking efforts. He advises job seekers not to feel pressured to mold themselves into what they think a company wants but rather to embrace their strengths and unique qualities. Before interviews, create a personal narrative around your key strengths and how they align with the companyâs needs. Practice framing any weaknesses as opportunities for growth, and approach networking conversations with genuine curiosity rather than just seeking a job lead. This makes your interactions more authentic and impactful.
Where to find Dale:
* LinkedIn
* UXR Minds podcast
* Website
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Hannah is a UX researcher with over a decade of experience helping product teams make smarter, faster decisions. She has a thing for working on public sector services, the grittier, the better and nothing is grittier than healthcare (especially women's health). Hannah worked her way up the chain to be head of research, but she just couldnât keep away from the hustle of a product team. Instead, she focused on scaling down UX research methods so even the leanest teams can get some insight.
Her mantra? Good research comes in small packages.
In our conversation, we discuss:
* The importance of bridging the gap between research and business decisions
* Challenges of getting research used by teams and keeping it actionable
* The value of workshops in facilitating collaboration and decision-making
* Tips for structuring workshops in an agile, time-constrained environment
Any links to courses or something
Some takeaways:
* Research doesnât end with analysis. To ensure your findings are applied, you need to facilitate discussions that help teams translate insights into actionable decisions. After completing research, schedule a workshop where key stakeholders (designers, product managers, and developers) collaborate to prioritize insights based on business needs and feasibility.
* Workshops are vital for creating alignment between cross-functional teams. Hannah emphasized how they enable everyone to share perspectives and make collaborative decisions, ensuring that research gets implemented. Start by introducing short workshops (like assumption mapping) into existing meetings, ensuring that decisions are made as a group rather than individually by stakeholders.
* In agile teams, traditional long-form research methods can be broken down into smaller, digestible tasks spread across multiple sessions. This makes them more manageable and ensures participation without overwhelming the team. Use methods like problem clarity vs. risk mapping in agile sprints by integrating them into existing meetings like retrospectives or standups. Limit activities to 10-15 minutes to fit the teamâs schedule.
* A well-structured workshop ensures that participants stay focused and engaged. Timeboxing each part of the workshop, as Hannah suggested, keeps discussions on track and maximizes productivity. For every workshop, clearly define time limits for each activity. Use visible countdowns to ensure that no one person dominates the conversation, allowing equal participation from all team members.
* The misconception that workshops must be long or formal is outdated. Short, frequent sessions can be just as effective in driving decisions and maintaining momentum. Create âminimum viable workshopsâ by breaking a larger activity into smaller chunks across multiple shorter meetings. For example, instead of a three-hour workshop, spread exercises across a two-week sprint, completing small tasks during existing ceremonies or standups.
Where to find Hannah:
* LinkedIn
* Website
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
In this podcast episode, I discuss:
* How we can often feel like we have to do jobs outside our scope
* The difficulty of saying no to projects
* How it isnât ideal for us to be overextending into someone elseâs expertise
* What to do when someone asks you to do a task you arenât an expert in
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
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Ruby Pryor is the founder of Rex. Rex is a UX research and strategic design consulting firm. Ruby has worked in Design and Customer Experience for a decade across Australia and Asia. Her previous experience includes working for Boston Consulting Group, Grab and Nous Group. She is a recognized global expert, has spoken at UX conferences in 6 countries and has been interviewed on CNA. In our conversation, we discuss:
* Why cultural localization of apps/products is so important
* UX Researchâs strategic role within organizations
* The importance of mitigating risk through UX research
* The need to collaborate across teams
Ruby is hosting a new cohort for her Write for Impact course: https://maven.com/rexperience/writingforimpact (Use NIKKI20, which Ruby generously shared, and get a 20% discount)
Some takeaways:
* UX researchers should advocate for deeper localization efforts, ensuring the product experience feels natural and intuitive for users in different regions. For instance, reviewing user flows with regional preferences in mind or conducting localized user research can help prevent alienating non-US users.
* UX researchers should participate in early product strategy discussions to ensure localization and other user-focused decisions are embedded from the start, reducing costly missteps. They should also actively engage with business and strategy teams, framing research insights around risk reduction and business opportunities. Being part of the conversation early can help UX researchers influence decisions like feature prioritization and product launches in new markets.
* Demonstrating the tangible value of UX research can be difficult because it often prevents negative outcomes that arenât immediately measurable. Document the decisions before and after research to show their impact. Track the changes made after research insights are applied. For example, if a feature that was initially prioritized is deprioritized due to research findings, quantify the potential cost savings in terms of development time and resources to showcase the value of your work.
* UX researchers often limit their collaboration to product teams but should also connect with business operations and strategy departments to align research insights with broader business goals. Seek out opportunities to network and collaborate with stakeholders in business strategy, operations, and marketing. Understanding their goals can help researchers align their findings with broader organizational objectives, increasing the overall impact of UX research.
* A core part of UX research is mitigating risk by identifying potential usability issues before they reach the market, but this impact often goes unnoticed because it prevents problems rather than solves them. Keep a clear record of what decisions would have been made without research insights, and show how research prevented potential errors, resource waste, or user frustration. This can help quantify the âhiddenâ value of your research efforts.
Where to find Ruby:
* Website: www.rexhq.io and www.rubypryor.com
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-pryor/
* Impact sizing masterclasses: https://www.rexhq.io/masterclasses
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe -
đ Hey, Nikki here! Welcome to this monthâs ⨠free User Research walk-throughâ¨. In these walk-throughs, I review my previous work and comment on what worked, what didnât, and how I would improve it or walk you through work I am currently doing to share my thought process.
If you want to see everything I post, subscribe below!
Resources:
* Submit a topic
Join my membership!
If youâre looking for even more content, a space to call home (a private community), and live sessions with me to answer all your deepest questions, check out my membership (you get all this content for free within the membership), as it might be a good fit for you!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit userresearchacademy.substack.com/subscribe - Visa fler
