?? Building a data-driven UX research career ladder

I'm back with the weekly newsletter, after a brief break. During this time, I've been enjoying every mintue with our newborn daughter, Alena. Becoming a parent has been an exciting journey - with sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and moments of laughter and crying. I've never been screamed at so much and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I'm excited to be back and will try my very best to keep up with the weekly schedule. Thank you for staying with me during these weeks! Jan ??

?? Humans of User Research with Bevin D'Cruz

Hi Bevin, tell us a little about yourself!

Hello! I am Bevin D'Cruz , a mixed-method UX researcher with almost nine years of experience across various industries, including ride-hailing, food delivery, social media, finance, and telecom. I have led UX research initiatives at companies to name a few like Delivery Hero, Careem, and Facebook, focusing on driving user-centered innovations. My work has taken me to live in three different countries and six cities, and I have traveled to over 40 countries, giving me a deep understanding of diverse cultures and global user needs. I blend qualitative and quantitative research methods to turn complex data into actionable insights that drive product and business success. Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about digital art and deeply involved in advocating for POC and LGBTQ+ rights.

What energizes you about your career? The way that my strong artistic sensibilities and profound empathy have been incorporated into my work as a UX researcher is what inspires me about my profession. I studied design with a psychology concentration, and I have always had a deep love for comprehending and communicating human feelings and experiences. Consequently, this empathy carries over into my research, where I focus on amplifying user voices and transforming their requirements into meaningful solutions. I have always been vocal about the needs of people and dedicated to ensuring that all points of view are acknowledged and considered. My approach to UX research has been heavily inspired by my intrinsic passion for advocacy against discrimination and promoting inclusivity. I am passionate about developing solutions that truly resonate with consumers because I want to solve real-world problems for customers and have a meaningful impact.

If you were a superhero, what UX Research power would you have and how would you use it? If I were a superhero, my UX research power would be telepathic insight, much like Jean Grey’s telekinetic abilities. As a comic nerd, this question was calling me to answer! With this power, I could instantly tap into user's thoughts and feelings, gaining a deep understanding of their needs and experiences without lengthy research sessions. I would use this ability to uncover the emotions and pain points driving user behavior, allowing me to create highly targeted and empathetic solutions. Plus, this power would help me reduce those pesky time constraints that PMs always ask about—just imagine the possibilities! ??

How can fellow researchers connect with you to discuss shared interests? I am active on LinkedIn , where I connect with other researchers and exchange insights about UX research. Another excellent method to connect is by joining the APD list, which I recently did. In addition, if I travel or live in a city, I try to go to local UX research meetups. Please get in touch with me using these channels or at any of these events; I'm always eager to talk about our common interests and share ideas with other researchers! And if you can’t find me through these, there’s a good chance I might be at a Pokémon Go event or posting my art on Instagram !

Thank you, Bevin!

?? Articles of the Week.

What we can learn from UX Research job descriptions. Building a data-driven UX research career ladder: Thomas Stokes, Lawton Pybus & Brian Utesch 07/28

Myth busting: artificial intelligence in market research. AI has been integrated into our lives for decades, enhancing safety and efficiency. Automate tedious tasks with AI and leverage it for data analysis, while embracing the creativity AI cannot replicate. 07/30

Two reports on the current state of user research. Maze highlights growing demand and democratization of user research. User Interviews reveals fewer dedicated researchers, increased AI usage, and job insecurity. 07/28

Why research repositories fail and how to get them right. Create a successful repository by choosing the right tool, formulating a plan, having an owner, and being willing to iterate. Maria Rosala 07/26

Sustainable UX: the importance of UX researchers in sustainable UX practice. We have a responsibility to understand and address the environmental impact of our work. Victor Yocco 07/29

Introducing the person-oriented approach in UX Research. Laying the groundwork for creating statistically valid personas. Talieh Kazemi 07/31

?? Video of the Week.

Research Ops chat: Johanna Jagow, UX and ReOps advisor. Johanna Jagow discusses her role as a UX and ReOps advisor, emphasizing the importance of research operations and making research insights accessible. Key insights include effective system implementation and addressing team-specific needs. YouTube 07/26

?? Audio of the Week.

From Charmander to Charizard: level up your UX research job search with Nikki Anderson Nikki Anderson shares advice on excelling in UX job interviews, focusing on resumes, portfolios, and common mistakes. She urges job seekers to see current challenges as opportunities to improve UX. Spotify Apple 07/23

Happy Researching,

Jan Ahrend