The User Research Strategist: UXR | Impact | Career – Details, episodes & analysis

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Loren is a UX Researcher with over 8 years of experience designing user-centered financial solutions. She’s passionate about uncovering actionable insights that bridge user needs with business objectives, and specializes in transforming complex behaviors into strategies that elevate digital experiences. Loren currently works at JPMorgan Chase as a Lead UX Researcher for digital commerce solutions. Over her time at Chase she has worked across several organizations, getting to know a wide variety of customer-facing and employee-facing products and services giving her a unique insight into how the customer views Chase as a whole.

Kathryn is a behavioral neuroscientist with experience in consumer research and methodological innovation. She earned her Bachelors in Neuroscience and Business from Muhlenberg College and her Masters in Behavioral and Decision Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. She currently works at JP Morgan Chase as a User Researcher, with a focus on methodological development, infusing behavioral science and design thinking into the customer experience.

In our conversation, we discuss:

* What end-to-end research actually means in practice and why it starts before users ever touch your product.

* How to use habit loops to map and influence real customer behavior without forcing change.

* The power of live account interviews for breaking out of prototype fantasyland.

* Strategies for building alignment and shifting stakeholders from “I need” to “we’re solving.”

* How internal playbooks, role-play exercises, and empathy maps help teams stay grounded in real life.

Some takeaways:

* End-to-end research isn’t just a longer study, but a wider lens. Loren and Kathryn define end-to-end research as everything from a customer’s initial intent to what happens after they close the product. It’s not just about usability or funnel drop-off, but about how their lives influence how they interact with your product. To get real insight, you have to look outside the interface and understand what’s happening before, during, and after each interaction. That kind of zoomed-out context changes the questions you ask and the recommendations you make.

* Customers don’t live inside your product and they won’t change their habits for you. Many organizations build with the assumption that users will adapt. They won’t. Through live account research, Loren uncovered how users ignore offers, stick to their routines, and reject anything that adds complexity. Kathryn explains how habit loops (cue → routine → reward) help teams understand why users behave the way they do, and why your product needs to slot into existing routines, not disrupt them.

* Usability labs are structured, focused, and quiet. Real life is not. That’s why live account research can be so powerful; users bring their own data, context, and mess. Watching someone navigate a real account reveals things no A/B test or journey map ever could, especially when paired with tools like empathy maps that capture what people are saying, doing, thinking, and feeling.

* To build cross-team alignment, make the customer the common ground. When products span multiple teams, priorities clash. Loren uses design rationale briefs and vision statements to realign teams around what the customer wants, not just what each team needs. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of shared language and moving from “I need” to “we’re building.” Getting people into the same room, physically or virtually, and grounding them in the customer’s perspective is what turns politics into partnership.

* If you want teams to understand context, you have to simulate real life. Kathryn runs role-playing workshops where stakeholders juggle real-life distractions while interacting with a product. It’s a reminder that customers are busy, stressed, and multitasking, and your product has to work under those conditions. Loren adds that this mindset shift helps counter the overconfidence teams can get from testing in perfect research environments. Their advice: don’t just study what customers say, watch what they actually do in the wild.

Where to find Loren:

* LinkedIn

Where to find Kathryn:

* LinkedIn

Stop piecing it together. Start leading the work.

The Everything UXR Bundle is for researchers who are tired of duct-taping free templates and second-guessing what good looks like.

You get my complete set of toolkits, templates, and strategy guides. used by teams across Google, Spotify, , to run credible research, influence decisions, and actually grow in your role.

It’s built to save you time, raise your game, and make you the person people turn to—not around.

→ Save 140+ hours a year with ready-to-use templates and frameworks

→ Boost productivity by 40% with tools that cut admin and sharpen your focus

→ Increase research adoption by 50% through clearer, faster, more strategic delivery

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—

Amanda runs Stockwell Strategy, a user experience research and innovation strategy practice. She has spent the last 15 years helping teams understand who their users are, what they need, and how to tie those insights to product and business strategy. Happy clients include startups, nonprofits, fortune 100s, and nearly everywhere in between. Amanda is happiest when helping teams spin up their UX research practices and individuals refine their research and strategy skills.

She also frequently writes and speaks about all things UX and product, teaches classes on LinkedIn Learning and for Duke's Design and Technology Innovation program, and helps organize local Ladies that UX meetups. You can also find her hiking, spoiling her dog, or sharing lobster facts.

In our conversation, we discuss:

* The concept of “research onions,” how core skills are just one layer of what makes someone effective in UX.

* Why understanding business goals and context makes research more actionable, not less user-centered.

* How collaborating with cross-functional teammates means more than just scheduling whiteboard sessions.

* Tips for solo researchers on becoming better collaborators, from small talk to strategic alignment.

* A networking approach that’s not transactional and why your next opportunity may come from a six-year-old Slack intro.

Some takeaways:

* Research is more than the craft. Amanda introduces the idea of “onion layers” to describe the full spectrum of skills researchers need. Beyond knowing methods and tools, researchers should understand how business decisions are made and where their insights fit in.

* You don’t need to be a business strategist but you do need to care. Understanding cash flow, team capacity, and strategic priorities helps researchers frame insights that get acted on. It’s not about becoming a PM; it’s about asking the right questions and understanding how your work fits the broader picture.

* Relationship-building is essential, especially when you’re the only researcher. Whether it’s baking banana bread to attract teammates or tailoring your report formats to individual preferences, Amanda shows how small acts of intentionality lead to better collaboration and insight adoption.

* Network like a human, not a transaction. Amanda advises networking consistently and authentically, not just when you’re looking for a job. The best opportunities often come from long-forgotten connections so be curious, be helpful, and stay in touch with generosity.

* Treat your stakeholders like users. Just like you wouldn’t ship a product without understanding your users, you shouldn’t present findings without understanding your audience. Customize communication styles, understand what they care about, and make it easy for them to act on your insights.

Where to find Amanda:

* Website

* LinkedIn

* Bluesky

Stop piecing it together. Start leading the work.

The Everything UXR Bundle is for researchers who are tired of duct-taping free templates and second-guessing what good looks like.

You get my complete set of toolkits, templates, and strategy guides. used by teams across Google, Spotify, , to run credible research, influence decisions, and actually grow in your role.

It’s built to save you time, raise your game, and make you the person people turn to.

→ Save 140+ hours a year with ready-to-use templates and frameworks

→ Boost productivity by 40% with tools that cut admin and sharpen your focus

→ Increase research adoption by 50% through clearer, faster, more strategic delivery

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

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 “versus” 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 “strategic primers.”

* How to deliver value in both tactical and strategic spaces—and 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 can’t influence strategy if you’re not in the room. Delivering a compelling presentation isn’t enough. To make strategic insights actionable, researchers need to be present during planning and roadmap discussions. If you’re not sure when strategic planning happens, that’s a red flag and an invitation to start earning your seat by solving the right problems.

* “Strategic primers” help researchers shape roadmaps. One of Javier’s 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.

* There’s 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 “strategic 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? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Camila Borja is a User Research expert with almost 15 years of experience, driving insights for companies like Zalando, SumUp, and Itaú. 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 “research theater” 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 don’t 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 it’s 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 don’t 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 what’s driving decisions and find the middle ground between user needs and business realities.

* Avoiding theater always starts with asking “why?” Whether it’s a stakeholder request for a marketplace feature or a directive to skip over certain findings, researchers must stay curious. Asking why isn’t just for participants, it’s 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? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—

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 Haigo’s 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 won’t work for everyone—stakeholders 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 digest—through visuals, summaries, and strategic framing—helps 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? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—

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 she’s 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 it’s 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, it’s 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/

* Prama’s Medium: https://medium.com/@pramaneeraja_12112

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—

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. That’s 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 her—it's what keeps her curious and motivated every day. And when she isn’t researching or chatting about it, you probably (won’t) 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 research—covering 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; it’s a business. Becoming a freelance user researcher means wearing multiple hats—project 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 client’s 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 expenses—consider 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 don’t 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

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

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.

—

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 — 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 don’t just adapt to changes—they do so strategically. Start with small experiments, learn what works, and gradually scale. Whether it’s 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, it’s 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 information—whether they prefer reports, quick summaries, or visuals—is 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. You’ve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. You’re ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, let’s be honest, that’s not always easy.

That’s where the Impact Membership comes in.

This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. It’s a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:

* Turn research into influence – Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.

* Break out of the research silo – Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.

* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve – Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.

Why join now?

* You don’t have to figure this out alone – Every member is carefully selected, so you’re learning alongside people who truly get it.

* Get real value, fast – No fluff, no generic advice—just focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.

* Make it work for you – Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, there’s no pressure—just a space designed for impact without overwhelm.

Membership fee: £627/year or £171/quarter

This isn’t 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 you’re ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, we’d love to have you.

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

—

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, she’s 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 Global’s 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 Norman’s model) helps in setting realistic expectations and strategies. It’s 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 isn’t 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. You’ve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. You’re ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, let’s be honest, that’s not always easy.

That’s where the Impact Membership comes in.

This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. It’s a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:

* Turn research into influence – Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.

* Break out of the research silo – Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.

* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve – Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.

Why join now?

* You don’t have to figure this out alone – Every member is carefully selected, so you’re learning alongside people who truly get it.

* Get real value, fast – No fluff, no generic advice—just focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.

* Make it work for you – Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, there’s no pressure—just a space designed for impact without overwhelm.

Membership fee: £627/year or £171/quarter

This isn’t 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 you’re ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, we’d love to have you.

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.

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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. He’s 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.

* Jorge’s 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.

* AI’s 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 “What am I missing?” 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? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com 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.