UX Spotlight

🚀 Scale your research with deep, human-centered insights. Visit Userlytics today: https://www.userlytics.comIn this episode of the Userlytics Podcast, host Denis Cristea and Dr. Kenya Oduor tackle a growing tension that research and product teams face: how to ensure the human element is not engineered out of research as AI tools promise faster and more scalable insights. Dr. Oduor brings a blend of operational practicality and academic rigor from her background in human factors and industrial engineering. The discussion moves beyond the hype of AI, focusing on the practical shifts that happen when these tools are integrated into actual workflows.What You’ll Learn:How to distinguish between "lean" AI-assisted efficiency that improves research and "lazy" shortcuts that erode data validity.Practical approaches to handling the "Black Box" dilemma when using synthetic users and AI-generated personas.The importance of understanding the origins and cultural context of AI data to avoid building products for a limited population.Why building empathy and establishing rapport with research participants are critical human skills that AI cannot simulate.Real-world examples of how to safely accelerate workflows, such as generating standard operating procedures from deeply researched human insights.Key Takeaway: "One thing that researchers overthink is thinking that AI will replace UX researchers[...]There are some things that we do that cannot be replicated such as having empathy and the ability to empathize with others." — Dr. Kenya Oduor About the Guest: Dr. Kenya Oduor is the CEO and Founder of Lean Geeks. With a PhD in Human Factors and Industrial Engineering, she brings a rare combination of academic rigor and hands-on operational thinking to her work. She has been a founder for nine years and draws on an extensive career in industry, consulting, and academia. Her guiding principle is that the goal of research is deeper understanding, not just better data.About the Host: Denis Cristea is the host of UX Spotlight by Userlytics, a podcast where UX professionals share the stories and thinking behind digital experience research. With a background in media, content production, and UX-focused storytelling, Denis brings a conversational and practical lens to discussions about research, insights, and impact.Subscribe & Follow: UX Spotlight by Userlytics features conversations with UX researchers, designers, and industry experts exploring how research shapes better digital experiences. New episodes are released monthly. Follow Userlytics on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.

UX Researcher, Accessible Product Designer, and author Stéphanie Walter brings over a decade of experience designing complex enterprise products across industries like banking, automotive, and healthcare. In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to scale accessibility inside large organizations and turn good intentions into standard practice.The discussion stems from the reality that, according to Stéphanie, accessibility must move from a simple WCAG compliance checklist to a company-wide discipline. From her early career lessons to her ongoing consulting work, Stéphanie unpacks how teams often exclude users by believing they "don't have users with disabilities.She shares practical methods for embedding accessibility into everyday design processes and explains why understanding the broad spectrum of disability is crucial for modern enterprise teams.What you’ll learn:Why treating accessibility as a simple checklist fails and how starting small builds momentum.Practical ways to include disabled people in usability research rather than just using them for technical QA testing.Why the myth of "we don't have disabled users" is a dangerous misconception that ignores the broad spectrum of disabilities.Building allies across development and QA teams to make accessibility part of the "definition of done".Concrete daily practices for designersAnd more!Key Takeaway“I think you need to go beyond checkboxes and people need to understand it's not about doing the checklist of WCAG... start somewhere, just start. It might be scary, but someone needs to kickstart the movement.” — Stéphanie Walter, UX Researcher & Accessible Product Designer Listen NowTune in to this episode of UX Spotlight by Userlytics to learn actionable methods and mindset shifts for building enterprise products that work for everyone at scale.[Listen on YouTube] About UX Spotlight by UserlyticsUX Spotlight by Userlytics features conversations with UX researchers, designers, and industry experts exploring how research shapes better digital experiences. New episodes are released monthly. Follow Userlytics on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date.

In this episode of UX Spotlight by Userlytics, James Eccleston shares why designing for “tired, distracted humans” leads to better digital experiences. Drawing from his work with major brands like Virgin and his viral industry post, James explains how UX teams drifted away from real-world usage — and what to do about it.You’ll learn:• Why designing for ideal personas creates a dangerous gap• How to cut cognitive load “in half, then half again”• Why clean usability testing environments produce misleading insights• How to design interfaces where errors are impossible, not just fixable• Why simplicity should outperform feature bloatIf you work in UX, product design, research, or digital strategy, this conversation will challenge how you think about usability in the real world.

Description:In the opening episode of the new season of UX Spotlight by Userlytics, host Denis Cristea sits down with Vivian Pinto, Consumer Understanding Specialist, to explore one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — aspects of UX and research work: transforming raw data into insights that truly influence business decisions.This conversation goes beyond dashboards, percentages, and surface-level findings. Denis and Vivian unpack what real insights look like, why they matter, and how researchers can bridge the gap between data, human behavior, and meaningful business action. Drawing from real-world examples and modern AI-supported workflows, this episode offers practical guidance for UX researchers, analysts, and anyone working with data-driven decision-making.Topics Covered:What truly defines an “insight” — and why not every statistic qualifiesMoving beyond dashboards and percentages to uncover real user tensionsCommon mistakes teams make when interpreting research resultsThe importance of objective-setting and bias awareness in researchHow AI tools support (but do not replace) human insight generationWhen broad research is useful versus when custom user studies are neededHow insights influence product, strategy, and business decisionsUsing storytelling to turn research findings into actionPodcaster Bio:Denis Cristea Denis Cristea is the host of UX Spotlight by Userlytics, a podcast where UX professionals share the stories and thinking behind digital experience research. With a background in media, content production, and UX-focused storytelling, Denis brings a conversational and practical lens to discussions about research, insights, and real-world impact.Guest Bio:Vivian Pinto Vivian Pinto is a Consumer Understanding Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in consumer research, social listening, and insight generation. She has worked across industries and methodologies, helping organizations uncover behavioral truths and translate them into actionable strategies. Her recent work focuses on digital research and AI-supported insight analysis, combining technology with human judgment to guide better decision-making. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/bIjVfyIg6Sc

In this episode, we sit down with UX Researcher Taylor Bras and Senior Enterprise Resource Planning Analyst Lindsey Ocampo from Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona’s electric power and water utility company. Together, they unpack the critical skills needed to succeed in a modern UX career. Taylor shares her firsthand experience transitioning from Arizona State University's formal UX program into the business world, while Lindsey provides expert strategies for evangelizing UX and building influential relationships with stakeholders.This interview is a must-watch for UX students, recent graduates, and any UX professional looking to increase their impact and influence within their organization.Topics Covered:Bridging UX and BusinessTaylor's Journey: From Formal UX Education to a Professional CareerOvercoming the Challenges of Transitioning into the UX IndustryLindsey's Experience: How to Champion UX and Win Over StakeholdersThe Real Challenges of Building Trust with Business LeadersPractical Strategies for Translating UX Research into Business ValueHow UX Researchers Can Build Credibility and InfluencePodcaster bio: Taylor BrassTaylor Brass is a UX Researcher at Salt River Project (SRP), a not-for-profit water and power utility serving central Arizona. In her current role, she conducts mixed-methods research to improve customer-facing digital products, helping residents easily pay their energy bills and discover energy efficiency programs.Taylor holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in User Experience from Arizona State University, where she studied everything from interaction design and front-end development to human systems engineering and UX strategy. Before joining SRP, she worked as a UX designer across several industries, including healthcare, tech, and sustainability. LinkedInLindsay OcampoLindsay Ocampo is a Senior ERP Analyst at Salt River Project (SRP) with over 14 years at the company, including nine years as a UX researcher. With a background in business management and an MBA, Lindsay learned about UX through on-the-job learning and mentorship. Her work has helped bring user-centered design to the forefront of SRP’s digital strategy, proving that impactful UX can thrive in any industry. LinkedIn

In this special episode for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Nate from Userlytics speaks with Arun Ramakrishnan, Lead Consultant for Global Quality Compliance at Perficient. Arun shares his lived experience as a professional with profound hearing loss and reflects on the small changes that make a big impact in the workplace. Together, they explore how inclusive communication, thoughtful leadership, and accessible digital tools can transform company culture. Arun offers practical insights on breaking down barriers—both technological and attitudinal—and encourages listeners to drive change by starting with empathy, awareness, and everyday action.Key Takeaways:How Arun’s personal experience shifted his perspective on accessibilityCommon misconceptions about disabilities in professional rolesHow unconscious bias and communication barriers can affect workplace inclusionThe critical role of culture, leadership, and small actions in accessibilityWhy digital accessibility should be part of your infrastructure from day oneAnd more! “Accessibility isn’t about sympathy. It’s about doing what’s right—for everyone. When we make small efforts, we all benefit together. ”— Arun, Lead Consultant, Quality and Compliance, Perficient

Userlytics welcomes Gulen Yilmaz, an accessibility expert from Perficient, to discuss the importance of designing with inclusion in mind. With years of experience in digital, web, and mobile accessibility—particularly in healthcare, education, and public service—Gulen shares practical insights on making digital experiences accessible for all users, regardless of ability.Key Takeaways: What GAAD is and how it raises awareness of accessibility issues worldwideThe meaning and value of universal design and how it benefits everyoneWhy mobile accessibility is especially important todayCommon mobile accessibility mistakes (like small text, poor contrast, and missing labels)How to test for mobile accessibility and build it into your product lifecycle earlyAnd more!“Accessibility isn’t just a checklist item—it’s about creating experiences that work for everyone, in real-world situations.” – Gulen Yilmaz, Digital Web and Native Accessibility Consultant

Join Nate Brown from Userlytics as he sits down with Ricardo Ramirez, a seasoned Service Designer and UX Consultant, to discuss the nuances of building a successful career in UX design and research. Ricardo shares his inspiring, self-taught journey into UX, including how he overcame significant challenges to become a Continuing Education Instructor at York University, reshaping the very program he once aspired to join.In this episode, you'll learn:How Ricardo leveraged networking to accelerate his UX career.Common misconceptions and effective strategies for networking in the UX community.Practical advice for aspiring UX professionals on how to get started, stay inspired, and achieve career goals.Whether you're new to UX, considering a career pivot, or seeking guidance on professional growth, Ricardo’s journey and expert advice offer valuable lessons.

How can AI be used for real-world crisis response? Join host Nate Brown (Userlytics) as he dives into an inspiring conversation with Cynthia Leimbach and Dr. Jess Mendoza, the minds behind LAHelpNow—a groundbreaking initiative born from the devastating January 2025 LA fires.What started as an AI-powered hackathon exploring Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and Conversation Design quickly evolved into something much bigger: an official NGO dedicated to connecting communities in crisis with real-time, verified resources.Whether facing wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or other disasters, LAHelpNow is working to ensure AI-driven crisis response makes a real difference.Learn More & Get Involved:Website: https://lahelpnow.org/Help by Donating: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraisi...Guests:Cynthia Leimbach – / cynthialeimbachDr. Jess Mendoza – / jesstheresearcherhttps://www.userlytics.com/user-exper...What are your thoughts on using AI for crisis response? Drop your comments below!

AI is transforming UX research, and psycholinguistics is playing a key role in understanding user behavior on a deeper level.In this exclusive Spotlight Interview, Nate Brown sits down with Jennifer Glista from Receptiviti, a company dedicated to integrating psychological insights into products and services.In their discussion, they explore how AI-driven audience segmentation and language analysis are transforming market research and user insights. They dive into the origins of Receptiviti, unpack the ethical considerations of AI in research, and highlight how the partnership between Userlytics and Receptiviti enhances data richness and provides more actionable, meaningful insights.Don’t miss this fascinating conversation on the future of AI-powered UX research!

In this episode, Nate from Userlytics interviews Alejandro, the CEO and founder of Userlytics.Together, they explore the world of user experience (UX) and usability testing, from its early days to today.Alejandro shares insights about his journey, starting in 2009, and how Userlytics has evolved in a rapidly changing digital landscape. They discuss the importance of UX research, especially in today’s remote work environment, and how AI is shaping the future of the industry.He argues that CEOs can no longer afford to ignore the cost of bad UX, and that in times of economic downturn, UX research should be the last area to face cuts in a company's budget.Whether you're a business leader or a UX enthusiast, this conversation offers a clear look at how better user experiences can drive success.

Sarita Saffon, Principal UX Researcher at Userlytics, interviews Eniola Abioye.Eniola, born and raised in Oakland, CA is a Lead UX Researcher at Meta and the Founder of UX Outloud, a user experience research career coaching and consulting business. Eniola currently conducts research and builds research strategy in Business Messaging. Outside of work she is a thought leader, content creator and subject matter expert in user experience research and career development.In this episode, Sarita and Eniola discuss:Accessibility Testing: Eniola explains the importance of making digital products accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. She shares practices for incorporating accessibility into UX research.Bias Mitigation in UX Research: Learn how to identify and reduce biases that can affect research results and user experience.The Role of AI in UX Research: Explore how artificial intelligence changes UX research methods, from data analysis to user testing, and its impact on the field.And more!This conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice for UX professionals. Listen now and subscribe.

Inclusive and accessible products are not just "nice to haves", they are absolutely and utterly a MUST in modern times. But what does it mean to be an accessible brand? What are the legal requirements of my product and services when it comes to accessibility? (Wait what? There are legal requirements?) How much money is my company losing by not being accessible?These questions, and more, are discussed in today's episode of the UX Spotlight Podcast. Our host Nicholas Aramouni, sits down with Lisa McMichael and Brendan Ohara to delve deep into the realm of accessible brands and products, discussing not only the current state of accessibility, but the future impacts of artificial intelligence on inclusive design! Tune in now to stay in the loop!Guests: Lisa McMichael and Brendan OharaAudio Credits: QubeSounds- Abstract Fashion Pop - https://pixabay.com/music/beats-abstract-fashion-pop-131283/

In this episode, Sarita walks us through the ever-important topic of biases in UX research. We go deep into how insight validity and reliability are at stake if we can't learn to acknowledge or become aware of the many biases that exist! From discussing the most prominent types to providing tips on how to overcome them and mitigating stakeholder bias in their own research, this episode is a must-listen, regardless of where you are in your UX journey.Key pointsRecognize you will never eliminate all biases, there are simply too manyAwareness is the most critical step in mitigating biasEnsure your testing and results going through partner-review processLeverage external support to help remove biases in both design and researchThe more layers of data you have, the more validity and integrity your results will haveLearn to rely on technology that can help eliminate biasAudio Credits: QubeSounds- Abstract Fashion Pophttps://pixabay.com/music/beats-abstract-fashion-pop-131283/