The User Research Strategist: UXR | Impact | Career

• The Power of Continuous Discovery | Prama (HubSpot)

  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 [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

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• Freelancing in UX Research: Selling Your Skills & Finding Clients | Kamila Boudova

  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-boudovaThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou 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/quarterThis 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 [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

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• The Importance of Adaptability in User Research | Anne-Charlotte Triplet (PayFit)

  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:* LinkedInThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou 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/quarterThis 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 [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

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• Thriving in Low UX Maturity Organizations | Maureen McLennon (FM Global)

  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* LinkedInThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou 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/quarterThis 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 [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

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  31:22
• Unpacking AI’s Role in User Research and Information Architecture | Jorge Arango (Boot Studio)

  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.—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/jarangoInterested 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 [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

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  25:11

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About The User Research Strategist: UXR | Impact | Career