Finders to Builders - A UX Research Show

This is the final episode of the Finders to Builders podcast.Thank you so much for tuning in and for your support all these years!

The difference between doing research and building a research practice is the difference between going to the gym once every few months and actually getting fit. One-off studies won't create lasting impact. A practice is an intentional, continuous investment — a system that captures, connects, and applies knowledge to drive better decisions. I cover the three pillars (culture, infrastructure, communications), and the signs that tell you it's time to build the thing properly.(00:11) Research vs Practice(00:44) Sporadic Research Pitfalls(01:55) Gym Analogy Momentum(03:02) What a Practice Looks Like(03:54) Three Pillars Framework(05:39) Signs You Need Practice(07:59) Buy In and Scaling(09:21) Connective Tissue Vision(10:03) Wrap Up and Where to Follow

Researchers often over-index on rational arguments, assuming clear findings will drive action. But decisions are also shaped by emotions and organizational dynamics — political, personal, and power pressures that influence how stakeholders respond. Instead of blaming stakeholders for "not getting it," we should research and empathize with them the way we do with users, and frame recommendations within their context. When stakeholders feel understood, trust builds and decisions become easier.(00:11) Decisions Drive Research(00:43) Myth of Pure Rationality(01:54) Why Stakeholders Push Back(02:24) Research Your Stakeholders(03:41) Politics and Pressure Factors(04:33) Frame Recommendations for Context(05:55) Communication Builds Trust(06:32) Facts Plus Emotions(08:02) Recap and Next Steps(09:14) Outro and Reach Out

In the final guest episode of Finders to Builders, Thomas Wilson breaks down why large organizations aren't ready to spin up AI agents, how AI-first thinking amplifies "move fast, break things," and why stakeholder interviews often beat user research for actionable insight.(01:14) AI Has Been Here(02:58) Everyday AI Examples(04:57) LLMs And Job Shock(06:00) Org Readiness First(09:06) Move Fast Fallout(12:58) Keys To The Kingdom(15:47) Stop Bot Hype(17:46) Pilot AI For Value(19:37) Not Ready to Replace Creatives(20:44) LLM Hype vs Real Value(21:55) Using AI as a Work Tool(24:03) Quality Over Speed and Scale(25:20) Enshittification and Experience Rot(27:38) Doing Good Still Profitable(29:14) AI First Replaces Product First(31:24) Drop the Jargon Use Metrics(35:36) Stakeholders Hold the Truth

PMs, designers, marketers, and others are increasingly leading research in organizations that don't have dedicated researchers. My three tips: align on and protect a fixed research capacity, make research usable across the organization, and build with the expectation that someone may later take it to the next level.(00:56) Research Audience Shift(04:11) AI and Layoff Impact(06:21) Reframing Podcast and Book(07:11) New Challenges for Roles(08:00) Tip 1 Protect Time(09:32) Tip 2 Share Research(10:35) Tip 3 Build for Future(11:45) PWDR Mindset Shift

Researchers rarely sit in top-level strategy meetings, so real impact comes from starting lower—informing interface, feature, and product decisions—and from building advocates as teams see the value of research. Over time, this earns a seat at higher tables. Impact is about breadth (being at more tables), not just height.(00:11) Welcome and the hype(00:41) Why strategy talk falls short(03:43) Decision altitudes framework(05:06) Where research creates value(06:29) Build the ladder upward(08:08) Impact is width not height(08:45) Many tables mindset(09:25) Wrap up and where to find me

Today I talk with Antonia Landy about what product operations really is: building repeatable systems for high-impact work in complex product environments, often making things harder short-term to improve them long-term. We unpack common misconceptions (product ops as “just process and templates”), where product ops sits today (more understood but often expected to be done without added headcount), and how product ops tasks always exist—someone is already doing them, intentionally or not.(01:10) What Product Ops Means(02:39) Common Misconceptions(03:49) Product Ops Today(05:27) Doing Ops Without Headcount(08:16) Bottom Up Or Top Down(11:30) Selling Ops Value To Leaders(14:38) Research Ops Collaboration(17:52) Advice For Researchers(20:51) When To Hire Product Ops(23:11) Fixing The Operating Model(26:13) Maturity Models And Data Use(28:47) From Small Fixes To Culture(32:45) Three Tips And Wrap Up

Today we'll talk about the Inside Triangulation Score, which is a simple framework used to gauge confidence in findings from various research sources. (01:22) Welcome and New Setup(02:19) Why Data Quality Matters(03:38) Where to Use the Score(05:07) Framework Overview and Scoring(10:30) Adding Scores and Interpreting Results(13:01) How to Apply It and Wrap Up

In the final episode of this AI miniseries, I share my favorite user research use case for AI: drafting documents and protocols. Because I dread writing long docs, I use AI for a head start and then polish the output, saving about 70% of my time. I describe a small, quick experiment where I trained local LLMs by feeding them dozens of my research documents, interview and usability protocols.(01:21) The Simple Experiment(02:17) Document Templates and Structure(02:43) Question Bank and Guardrails(03:12) Before and After Results(04:23) Workflow with Voice Prompts(05:33) Sharing the Training Prompt(07:20) AI Empowers Researchers

Second part with the great Dr. Ari Zelmanow!(00:11) Why Speed Matters(00:60) Speed vs Rigor Reframed(03:34) The Backhoe vs Shovel(04:22) Democratizing Research Fears(05:45) Evidence Based Collaboration(09:03) Practical Enablement at Scale(09:48) AI for Faster Cheaper Research(12:19) Becoming the Business Counselor(14:47) All Research Is Strategic(17:13) Three Tips for the Future(18:43) Wrap Up and Where to Find Ari

Today, we explore the role of AI in synthesizing research findings, a mature and significant use case in user research. I'll discuss my experiments comparing AI and human synthesis, highlighting how AI can aid and expedite the process.(00:22) Exploring AI for Synthesizing Research Findings (01:59) Comparing AI and Human Synthesis (04:13) Challenges and Opportunities in AI Synthesis (05:60) Multilingual Analysis and Future Potential (07:58) Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

In this episode, Dr. Ari Zelmanow joins us to explore the evolution of research in today’s business landscape. We discuss the shift from traditional data collection to data connection, emphasizing the importance of integrating different business units for enhanced decision-making.(00:55) The Evolution of Research(01:43) Challenges in the Research Field(03:49) Adapting to Business Needs(08:59) Essential Research Methods(12:23) Becoming a Trained Observer(15:15) Strategic Communication of Insights(19:12) Connecting Research to Business Goals

Today we delve into AI moderation! I discuss my experiments comparing human and AI moderators, noting the structured approach of AI versus the more flexible, context-aware approach of human moderators. (01:15) Human vs AI Moderators(02:03) AI Moderation: Structure and Limitations(04:21) Contextual Understanding in Moderation(06:26) Engagement and Demographics(07:50) Fraud Detection and Pressing Further(09:40) Combining Human and AI Moderation(11:13) Use Cases and Practical Applications

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of AI and explore how AI-generated users can be integrated into the research process. I share my experiences and experiments with various local versions of large language models (LLMs), such as GPT, Mistral, and Llama, and discuss the important distinctions between human and synthetic user feedback. We also touch on the potential benefits and limitations of using synthetic users, emphasizing that while they have their place, they can never replace real human interactions.(0:11) Introduction to AI Series(2:21) Exploring AI-Users(4:48) Comparing AI-gen users and Real User Feedback(8:50) Challenges and Limitations of AI-gen Users(12:38) Practical Applications and Training with AI-gen Users(16:09) Conclusion and Future EpisodesIMPORTANT: During the episode, I use terms like AI-users and synthetic users interchangeably. In every case, I’m generically referring to AI-generated users and not specifically to the brand “Synthetic Users”.

In this episode of Finders Builders, I sit down with Jake Burghardt, author of 'Stop Wasting Research,' to discuss methods for maximizing the value of research in organizations. We delve into his motivations for writing the book, the concept of research waste, and identify three key root causes: preparation, motivation, and integration. Jake provides practical advice for small research teams, solo researchers, and even non-researchers on how to build a movement within their organizations to make research more impactful. We also touch on the necessity of a research-aware culture and ways to implement research practices even in smaller or newly-formed teams. This episode is packed with insights and actionable tips for anyone looking to turn their research findings into strategic assets.(00:49) Discussing Jake's Book: Stop Wasting Research(03:12) Understanding Research Waste(07:16) Root Causes of Research Waste(12:06) Connecting Research to Decision Making(15:53) Advice for Small Research Teams(19:56) Building a Research Culture(24:10) Getting Started with Research Organization(31:11) Final Tips and Conclusion

Part two of the interview with the amazing Joe Natoli.We discuss his latest book and why its insights remain relevant today, alongside candid takes on the challenges and strategies for UX teams, particularly those who are small or even a team of one. Joe shares valuable advice on starting with what you have, embracing iterative improvements, and the importance of understanding the business context. (0:38) Challenges Faced by UX Designers and Researchers(1:35) Strategies for Managing Time and Resources(3:34) The Reality of UX Work Environments(6:41) Collaboration and Team Dynamics(10:59) The Importance of Research and Specialization(18:20) Final Tips and Advice for UX Professionals(23:05) Conclusion and Where to Find More Resources

In this episode of 'Off My Bookshelf,' I interview the one and only Joe Natoli.We discuss his latest book and why its insights remain relevant today, alongside candid takes on the challenges and strategies for UX teams, particularly those who are small or even a team of one. Joe shares valuable advice on starting with what you have, embracing iterative improvements, and the importance of understanding the business context. (01:35) Intro(01:49) Introducing Joe and His Book(02:32) The Impact of Joe's Book(04:58) Challenges in UX Design(12:46) The Value Loop Explained(19:51) Starting with Limited Resources(23:41) Small Wins in Enterprise UX

Today we dive deep into the world of knowledge management and repositories with two keen experts, Emily Di Leo o and Alison Jones. Together, they explore the vital role of knowledge management in research practices, why repositories sometimes fail, and actionable tips for those without dedicated resources. They emphasize the importance of starting simple, focusing on curation, access, and description, and the necessity of capturing tacit knowledge.(00:25) Guest Introductions: Emily Deo and Alison Jones(02:37) The Importance of Knowledge Management(05:40) Challenges in Building and Maintaining Repositories(07:43) Strategies for Successful Repositories(23:50) Practical Tips for Researchers(34:50) Conclusion

Welcome again to the show! This time, we discuss an exercise that helps assess the current state of research or research-like activities, identify pain points, and create a roadmap for research operations. Whether you're conducting this exercise in a group setting or one-on-one, the goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's research processes and pinpoint areas for improvement. (00:11) Introduction and Personal Update(01:03) Today's Topic: Understanding Research Activities(03:38) Mapping Exercise Walkthrough(06:12) Analyzing and Utilizing the Mapping Exercise(08:23) Conclusion and Additional Resources(08:43) Sponsored Message: Bright AI

Let's discuss research intake forms. You know, that handy tool that many larger organisations use as an inbox for research requests from stakeholders?Well, I’ll be exploring when it’s helpful to have one in place, when it might not be the best fit, and how to deal with it in low-maturity contexts or within embedded teams. Let's jump right into it!(01:20) What is a Research Intake Form?(02:51) When to Implement a Research Intake Form(05:37) When a Research Intake Form May Not Be Necessary(07:56) Hybrid Approaches and Flexibility(09:02) Tracking and Managing Research Requests(11:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In this episode of From Finders to Builders, we dive deep into the dynamic collaboration between PMs and researchers with our guests Giulia Tumminelli, a Senior UX Researcher, and Marcos Monteiro, a Head of Product. We talk about common misconceptions between PMs and researchers and discuss the significance of forming a united front in business.Whether you are a PM or a researcher, you'll find valuable insights on how to enhance your collaboration for impactful product decision-making.(00:11) Introduction and Guest Welcome(00:44) Guest Introductions and Backgrounds(01:22) Exploring PM and Researcher Collaboration(01:42) Addressing Misconceptions(06:08) Improving Collaboration: Tips and Strategies(29:34) Balancing User and Business Needs(39:02) Final Thoughts and Recap

In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of budgeting for research practices, especially for those who are the first or only researchers in their organization, or part of a small research team. We'll cover the main components of a research budget, which include researchers' salaries, tooling costs, and participant incentives, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing incentives to ensure successful research efforts. I provide practical advice on how to strategically allocate limited resources and leverage tools already in use within the organization to maximize impact. Join me to learn valuable tips and strategies to effectively advocate for and manage your research budget.(1:10) Introduction and Episode Overview(1:40) Defining a Budget for Small Research Teams(03:49) Key Components of a Research Budget(05:09) Prioritizing Incentives in Your Budget(07:03) Calculating Incentives and Budgeting Tips(08:51) Choosing the Right Tools for Your Research(10:37) Leveraging Existing Tools and Final Thoughts(12:15) Recap and Conclusion

In this episode, I discuss the evolving role of researchers in organizations, drawing on a football analogy to explain the shift from a 'striker' mentality to a 'playmaker' approach. As companies face changes with AI, product discovery, and the distribution of research teams, researchers must leverage their skillset in new ways. By adopting a playmaker mindset, researchers can help elevate everyone's understanding and use of data, ensuring better decision-making and greater company success. Tune in to learn how this shift can positively impact the research industry and enhance the value of researchers across the board.(0:11) Introduction and Warm Welcome(1:15) Researchers as Playmakers: A New Role(1:32) Challenges and Opportunities in Research(2:48) From Strikers to Playmakers: Changing Mindsets(5:00) The Playmaker's Role in Research(6:57) Practical Applications of the Playmaker Role(10:54) The Future of Research and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we welcome two phenomenal guests: Ruby Pryor, founder of UX research and strategic design firm Rex, and Emily Anderson, founder of design studio Ampersand. Ruby shares her extensive background in human-centered design, strategic design, and her journey of content creation, which began after an unexpected layoff. Emily shares her own path of creating impactful design content inspired by personal stories and frustrations, and how it evolved into public speaking and influencing other designers. Both guests delve into the importance of writing content, overcoming associated anxieties, and sustaining collaboration between designers and researchers. Their insightful tips for first-time researchers and designers provide valuable advice on staying motivated, showcasing business impact, and navigating the complexities of their roles. Don't miss out on the wisdom and experiences shared by these accomplished professionals.(0:11) Welcome and Guest Introductions(0:35) Ruby Pryor's Journey in UX Design(1:23) Emily Anderson's Diverse Design Experience(2:22) The Start of Content Creation(3:56) Ruby's Content Creation Journey(5:53) Emily's Content Creation Journey(7:46) From Content to Courses and Speaking Engagements(16:12) The Value of Content Creation(17:43) Overcoming Anxieties and Building Connections(22:53) Dealing with Negative Feedback(23:55) Anxiety and Posting Content(28:58) Collaboration Between Researchers and Designers(34:26) Balancing Research and Design(36:58) Business Impact and Communication(39:35) Tips for Designers and Researchers(44:34) Conclusion and Where to Find Us

In this episode of Finders to Builders, we delve into the hot topic of impact in UX research. We discuss the reasons behind the request to showcase research impact, ranging from senior management's interest in understanding the value of research to scenarios where the company questions the need for a research department. We talk about the four types of impact: direct, guidance, knowledge availability, and accumulated knowledge.Tune in for practical tips on how to effectively showcase the impact of your UX research.(00:57) Introduction to Impact in UX Research(01:26) Reasons for Showcasing Research Impact(03:46) Improving Perception of Research(04:53) Types of Research Impact(08:42) Tracking Research Impact(10:42) Building Relationships for Better Tracking(12:14) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kate shares her journey of writing the book, how it evolved with the changes in the industry from 2020 to 2022, and the core ideas around scaling research. She discusses the importance of operations beyond just headcount, how to embed value into the organisation, and the necessity of actionable strategies. Key takeaways include the concept of research teams as both finders and builders, systems thinking in operations regardless of team size, and how to pitch the importance of operational work within research to the wider organization. Kate also highlights her upcoming masterclasses that focus on creating actionable research strategies and roadmaps.(02:28) Welcome and Introduction(02:50) Meeting Kate(03:40) Kate's Book Journey(04:59) Scaling Research: Challenges and Insights(07:12) Research Operations and Value Delivery(10:25) Strategies for Small and Large Teams(16:21) Cost Center vs. Value Center(26:09) Tips for Building a Research Practice(30:06) Masterclasses and Conclusion

This time we explore the infamous "D" word that divides opinion in the research world. Tina and Kathleen share their extensive experience in research, from socializing research within organizations to demystifying the process of democratization. We explore the challenges and benefits of involving non-researchers in the research process, the importance of organizational readiness, and the nuances of different industries. Tina and Kathleen offer practical tips, personal anecdotes, and insightful perspectives on building a collaborative research environment, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about research and organizational growth.(01:36) Introduction and Guest Welcome(01:52) Guest Introductions(02:46) The Debate on Research Democratization(05:17) Challenges and Benefits of Democratization(09:58) Personal Experiences and Insights(22:53) Industry-Specific Democratization(39:50) Final Thoughts and Tips(43:13) Conclusion and Farewell

Hey everyone, Julian here. In this episode, I dive into the rapidly changing world of AI. Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not an AI expert. But like many of you, I’m trying to make sense of the hype, the reality, and what it all means, especially for researchers.Throughout the episode, I share my thoughts on why it’s important to stay curious but also skeptical. 01:29 – Introduction 02:08 – Why Talk About AI?03:41 – The Unpredictable Nature of AI05:15 – Who to Trust in the AI Space06:30 – Global Perspectives on AI Development10:02 – AI in Research: Opportunities and Challenges12:42 – The Risk of Misusing AI in Research14:41 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHungry for more? Follow me on Substack

Join me in this episode as I sit down with two amazing guests, Nikki and Chris, to dive into the world of content creation. Nikki is a user researcher and founder with a passion for horror fiction, while Chris runs the creator businesses UX Playbook and Backlog. We explore their journeys, the importance of creating content, overcoming challenges, and tips for getting started. From the pitfalls of chasing vanity metrics to the positives of finding your authentic voice, we cover it all. Whether you're considering content creation or looking to improve, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.(02:15) Background and Interests (05:35) Starting Content Creation: Nikki's Perspective (06:42) Starting Content Creation: Chris's Perspective (08:31) Challenges and Rewards of Content Creation 10:15 Inspiration and Tools for Content Creation (17:33) Writing Tips and Overcoming the Blank Page (21:26) Benefits of Content Creation for Career Growth (23:29) Exploring Content Creation on Instagram (23:52) The Benefits of Creating Content (24:48) Challenges of Creating Content for Business (27:14) The Long Game in Content Creation (29:27) Horror Stories and Challenges (33:12) Dealing with Plagiarism (42:34) Tips for New Content Creators (48:16) ConclusionHungry for more? Subscribe to our ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ or find me on ⁠⁠LinkedIn You can follow Nikki on Linkedin or her User Research Strategist page You can find Chris on Linkedin at or at UX Playbook

In this episode, we discuss why the traditional 'big reveal' in research presentations is often ineffective and detrimental to the research process. Instead, I advocate for a 'building in public' approach, where insights and updates are shared regularly with the team. This method ensures alignment, reduces misunderstandings, and increases the likelihood that your insights will be acted upon. I also share practical tips on how to keep stakeholders engaged throughout the research process. (01:43) Welcome and Personal Anecdote(02:20) The Big Reveal: Why It's Harmful(06:30) Alternatives to the Big Reveal(09:36) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHungry for more? Subscribe to our ⁠newsletter⁠ or find me on ⁠LinkedIn

In this episode of Refunders to Builders, I sit down with two incredible guests, Meltem and Marvin, who are seasoned UX career coaches. We dive deep into the challenges faced by UX professionals, from feeling stuck in well-paid jobs to navigating career transitions and deciding on the next steps. We discuss the importance of taking time to learn, understanding one's unique strengths, the role of soft skills, and networking. Whether you're just starting in UX, considering a shift, or wondering how to stand out in the current job market, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice.Tune in to understand how to align your career goals with what truly motivates you and how to approach career development in a meaningful and impactful way.(01:57) Meet Our Guests: Meltem and Marvin(02:48) Understanding Career Stagnation(06:46) Advice for Career Transitioners(09:12) Growing in Your UX Career(13:19) Finding Direction When Feeling Lost(17:00) Considering a Step Back from Management(20:45) The Importance of Soft Skills(24:52) Navigating the Current UX Job Market(29:36) The Power of Networking(33:38) Conclusion and FarewellHungry for more? Subscribe to our newsletter or find me on LinkedIn You can find Meltem on LinkedIn or Substack And you can find Marvin on LinkedIn

In this episode, I discuss how to profile your users for participant recruitment in user research. By creating a detailed differentiation between your users, you'll learn how to effectively contact and recruit them for your studies.Using simple tools, I demonstrate a structured method you can use when you arrive as the company's first researcher to categorize and assess your user base, considering factors like response time, recruitment costs, and user roles.(01:17) Intro(02:01) Overview of User Profiling for Recruitment(02:59) Creating a User Differentiation Table(04:35) Detailed Breakdown of User Categories(07:25) Recruitment Strategies and Considerations(11:29) Conclusion and Additional ResourcesHungry for more? Follow our Newsletter!

In this episode, we explore effective stakeholder management strategies for user researchers with Jen Blatz and Amanda Gelb.We explore the importance of understanding decision-makers' priorities, leveraging social listening, and aligning research objectives from the outset. Amanda and Jen share their experiences and methodologies, including stakeholder mapping, co-creation, navigating misalignments, and proving research value. This episode is packed with practical advice for first or solo researchers on prioritization, building relationships, and creating scalable frameworks to demonstrate research impact.(01:46) Intro(03:32) Amanda Gelb's Background and Current Endeavors(04:38) Discussion on Stakeholder Management(05:13) Common Challenges in Managing Stakeholder Expectations(06:59) The Role of Intake Process in Stakeholder Management(09:37) Mapping and Identifying Stakeholders(15:59) Involving Stakeholders Throughout the Research Process(21:58) Balancing Research Involvement(23:13) Building Relationships with Stakeholders(25:52) Handling Executive Requests(29:17) Effective Communication with Developers(32:20) Defending Research Decisions(38:03) Proving the Value of Research(40:27) Key Tips for Solo Researchers(44:22) Conclusion and FarewellHungry for more? Follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter at https://finderstobuilders.com/You can find our guests on:Jen Blatz's LinkedIn or her YouTube Channel BlatzChatz Amanda's LinkedIn or her fabulous Maven course

Hello and welcome to Season 2 of From Finders to Builders!There is a lot of new stuff coming up this season! We will have dual guest interviews, in-depth one-on-one conversations, and, of course, plenty of solo episodes like this one!This 2025 there's a lot of fearmongering out there. Loads of people writing and claiming "UXR is dead", "AI will eat us alive", "The industry is...." and things of the sort.Let's not dive into the negative and keep pushing forward. You've got this!Let's kick start this Season 2 with some positivity!(00:41) Exciting Plans for 2025(01:17) New Interview Formats(01:49) Adopting a Positive Mindset Despite Fear(05:43) On Current Challenges(07:58) Final ThoughtsStay tuned! Subscribe to theFrom Finders to Builders Newsletter.

Thank you for tuning in for Season 1 and sorry I could not record the 5 episodes I had planned. However... this lead me to confirm Season 2! See you soon in Feburary 2025! Subscribe to our newsletter at finderstobuilders.com and stay up to date.

Today we explore the journeys of individuals transitioning from academia to UX research, featuring insights from Elisabeth Morales Arch of Elastic and Elizabeth Morin-Lessard. We talk about leveraging academic skills in the tech industry, overcoming unexpected challenges, and understanding industry-specific dynamics. Elizabeth reflects on the differences between academic and industry research, emphasizing the critical importance of analytical skills, time management, and stakeholder communication. If you're in academia and considering a career shift into tech, this episode is for you! (00:00) Welcome (00:29) Elizabeth's Background and Transition to UX (03:23) Challenges and Fears of Transitioning (05:02) Job Search and Skill Application (08:52) Unexpected Aspects of UX Research (11:07) First Job Experience in UX (13:15) Academic Research vs. Business Research (14:54) Adapting to a Faster Pace (16:02) Reflecting on the Transition (17:43) Encouraging Academia to Industry Transitions (19:27) Preparing for a UX Research Role (20:57) Advice for Aspiring UX Researchers (24:17) Leveraging Academic Work in Industry (25:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hungry for more? Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Elizabeth ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠ or follow her on Medium

Welcome back after the summer break! This time, we host Nikki Anderson, a seasoned user researcher with over a decade of experience. Nikki discusses her diverse roles in the field, from in-house researcher to coach, and delves into her recent work, including her book 'Impact'. We cover essential topics such as building effective research practices, stakeholder management, and navigating user research operations. Nikki shares valuable tips for solo researchers, including the importance of engaging with stakeholders, understanding organizational context, and tracking your impact. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher, Nikki offers practical advice to help advance your career and improve your research processes. (00:00) Intro (00:28) Nikki Anderson's Background and Career (02:00) Writing the Book 'Impact' (03:32) Importance of Research Practices (05:23) Engaging with Stakeholders (08:24) Research Operations Essentials (13:18) Assessing UX Maturity (18:30) Challenges for First Researchers (25:36) Top Tips for Solo Researchers (29:37) Conclusion Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Nikki ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, take a look at her website User Research Academy or check out her latest book "Impact".

In this episode of 'From Finders to Builders', we welcome Pedro Vargas to discuss the significance and intricacies of ResearchOps. Pedro shares insights from his experience as a researcher starting in 2018, the importance of research jobs, and common misconceptions. The conversation also covers practical advice for first-time researchers, such as starting with simple tools and focusing on efficiency. We dive into areas like participant management, repositories, and the indispensable value of treating internal tools as products. Tune in to uncover valuable tips for anyone involved in research operations and learn how to effectively implement ResearchOps in various organizational contexts. (00:00) Introduction (01:50) Pedro's Journey into UX Research (04:27) The Importance of Research Ops (09:38) Getting Started with Research Ops (19:10) Common Misconceptions about Research Ops (22:45) Final Thoughts and Farewell Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Pedro ⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠or check out Research Pro.

Today we host Roberta Dombrowski, a seasoned research partner at Maze and a leadership coach at Learn Mindfully. Roberta shares her insights on what it means to lead in UX research, emphasizing that leadership can come from any role, not just those with managerial titles. She discusses the essential traits and skills needed for effective leadership, such as communication, conflict resolution, and visionary thinking, along with the common challenges researchers face. We also touch on topics like imposter syndrome, the importance of onboarding, and actionable tips for solo researchers or teams of one. (00:00) Introduction (00:16) Roberta's Background and Experience (01:04) Leadership in UX Research (02:37) Challenges of Leading Without a Title (07:59) Traits and Skills for Effective Leadership (11:26) Scaling the Team and Transitioning to Leadership (19:16) Imposter Syndrome in Leadership (23:23) First 30, 60, 90 Days as a Researcher (27:23) Final Tips and Closing Remarks Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Roberta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ or check out ⁠Learn Mindfully⁠. Check out some of Roberta's articles to dig deeper into what we discussed in this episode: Embracing onlyness: ⁠https://learnmindfully.co/2024/07/05/embracing-onlyness/⁠ Getting to the heart of influence: ⁠https://learnmindfully.co/2023/10/10/getting-to-the-heart-of-influence/⁠

In this episode, we discuss essential steps for new researchers joining a company. How to prepare during the interview process, how to better understand company dynamics in the first 30-60 days, and how to set yourself up for success through identifying key stakeholders and current research practices. We talk about the importance of understanding the 'who, how, and where', the team's operational setup, and how to approach this with a playmaker mindset to elevate the overall research culture within the company. (00:00) Introduction to the First Researcher Role (00:26) Preparing During the Interview Process (02:22) Starting the Job: Onboarding Essentials (04:04) Understanding the Team and Their Roles (06:42) Exploring Existing Research Practices (08:54) Identifying Current and Future Research Opportunities (12:10) Operational Setup and Long-Term Planning (15:26) Conclusion and Community Engagement Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we're joined by Caitlin Sullivan, a consultant who has focused on startups and scale-ups since 2018. Caitlin shares her passion for product-market fit research and outlines the challenges and approaches to managing research in early-stage companies, emphasizing the importance of moving fast and democratizing research within the team. Caitlin also delves into the impact of AI on user research and provides tips for integrating AI tools into the research process. (00:00) Introduction (01:43) Working with Startups and Scale-ups (03:06) The Role of Research in Startups (05:03) Challenges and Mindsets of Founders (08:30) When to Hire a User Researcher (11:05) Early Stage vs. Later Stage Research (17:24) Building Research Practices in Startups (26:54) AI and the Future of User Research (33:10) Tips for First Researchers (36:39) Conclusion and Farewell Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Caitlin ⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠ or check out the AI Customer Research newsletter.

In this episode of 'From Founders to Builders,' we delve into the intricate world of product discovery, a framework widely embraced in the product space. We analyse its premise, the importance of operational efficiency, and the pitfalls of a wrong execution. How do researchers come into play? How can we get involved? Find out this and more on this episode. (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Defining Product Discovery (05:12) Operational Challenges in Product Discovery (08:05) Quality and Cadence (11:31) The Role of Researchers (14:33) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠⁠ or follow Julian ⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enter Yao Adantor, a seasoned UX researcher and the founder of Research Bookmark. Yao shares his journey in UX, offering key insights on the evolution and future directions of UX research. We delve into the importance of building bridges between UX and business stakeholders, and strategies for aspiring researchers. Additionally, learn about the upcoming UXConf 2024 and how attending could benefit your professional journey. (00:00) Intro (00:43) Enter Yao Adantor (01:38) Deep Dive into Research Bookmark (03:17) The Future of UX Research and Industry Growth (05:45) Bridging Research and Business for Impact (17:04) The Evolution of UX Researchers (25:24) Advice for First Researchers in Organizations (30:30) Announcing UXConf and Final Thoughts Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Join our ⁠⁠Discord Community⁠⁠! Follow Yao ⁠⁠on LinkedIn ⁠⁠ or check out ⁠⁠Research Bookmark

Workshops can change your game. It can help you align teams, move projects forward and take your insights that extra mile into the product. In this episode, I explore how workshop facilitation changed my career and why everybody should learn this skill. (00:00) Introduction to Workshop Facilitation (01:12) The Essence and Impact of Facilitation (02:12) A Personal Journey into Facilitation (08:52) The Importance and Uses of Workshops (12:24) Getting Started with Workshop Facilitation (15:03) Final Thoughts and Resources Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠on LinkedIn. Join our ⁠Discord Community⁠!

In this talk with Odette Jansen, we cover topics such as: - Being the first UXR in a company - Being a neurodivergent leader - Neurodivergence in the workplace - Conducting research and neurodivergence - Tips for new UXRs Timestamps (00:00) Welcome to the Show: Introducing Odette Janssen(00:31) Odette's Journey in UX Research(02:07) Challenges of Being the First UX Researcher(04:44) Transitioning to Leadership in UX Research(05:49) Navigating Leadership as an Autistic Individual(09:07) Opening Up About Autism in the Workplace(15:51) Conducting Research with Neurodivergent Participants(25:36) Advice for First-Time Researchers(28:10) Odette's Template Library Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠ or follow me ⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠ Join our ⁠Discord Community⁠! Follow Odette ⁠on LinkedIn ⁠ or check out ⁠her website

In this episode, we discuss repositories: - Why are repositories useful? - What are the common misconceptions? - 5Cs to build a repository Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to the Research Repository Deep Dive(00:11) The Buzz Around Research Repositories(00:45) Why Repositories Matter and Common Misconceptions(04:14) Introducing the 5Cs Framework for Building a Repository(05:15) Deep Dive into the 5Cs: Concept, Consumption, Content Type, Creation, and Cleaning Up(12:35) The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Your Repository(16:01) Recap and How to Avoid Repository Pitfalls(17:28) Closing Thoughts Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠ or follow me ⁠on LinkedIn⁠ Join our ⁠Discord Community⁠! Resources mentioned in this episode: - 5Cs for building a successful repository

In this talk with the always amazing Ruby Pryor, we cover topics such as: - UXR and strategy - Research and AI - Continuous Discovery Timestamps (00:00) Welcome to the Show: Introducing Ruby(00:39) Meet Ruby: A Journey from Psychology to UX Research(01:47) The Unplanned Path to UX Research(02:20) Discovering UX Research in Singapore(03:08) The Evolution of a UX Researcher(05:49) The Importance of Methodology in UX Research(06:30) Delivering Impactful Insights: Ruby's Approach(08:16) Strategic Research and Its Role in Business(12:47) Navigating Job Security and the Future of UX Research(14:37) UX Research and AI: Embracing the Future(17:32) Continuous Discovery: Challenges and Opportunities(27:03) Final Thoughts and Advice for Solo Researchers Hungry for more? Subscribe to the ⁠From Finders to Builders newsletter⁠ or follow me ⁠on LinkedIn⁠ Join our ⁠Discord Community⁠! Follow Ruby on LinkedIn or check out REX

In this first episode, I go over the reasons why I decided to start this podcast: - What's the future of UXR? - What's so special about first UXRs? Timestamps (00:00) Welcome to From Founders to Builders(00:18) Introducing the Show's Purpose and Audience(00:52) Episode Formats and Expectations(02:10) Personal Background and Motivation(04:05) The Future of UX Research: Challenges and Opportunities(07:45) Addressing the Demand for UX Researchers(12:13) The Unique Role of the First Researcher Hungry for more? Subscribe to the From Finders to Builders newsletter or follow me on LinkedIn Join our Discord Community! Resources mentioned in this episode: Strategic UX Research is the next big thing by Jared Spool The UX Research Reckoning is Here by Judd Antin How to be a Teacher—Not an Oracle by Behzod Sirjiani