Getting a seat at the table part 2: Setting the stage for influence through a UXR maturity framework

You may also be interested in Part 1: From reactive to proactive research

When considering how UX research (UXR) can become more influential, it’s crucial to recognize that influence is shaped not only by the researcher’s skills but also by the environment in which they operate. This means understanding the factors that enable—or limit—the impact of research within a team or organization.

To help researchers identify opportunities for influence and long-term growth, I’ve developed what I call the UXR Maturity Framework. This framework breaks down key facets that determine whether research projects will succeed in driving meaningful outcomes. I’ve used this framework both to anticipate challenges when joining new teams and to identify strategic investments for fostering healthier, more effective research teams.

Product Maturity

Questions to Consider:Is the product in a revolutionary stage, undergoing bold changes?Or is it a mature product making incremental improvements?

Why It Matters: Product maturity significantly shapes the research approach. Early in a product’s lifecycle, the mission is often clear, and the focus is on building foundational features. Research during this stage is exploratory, focusing on validating bold ideas. As the product matures, however, obvious opportunities are often addressed, and innovation becomes incremental. A well-established customer base means any changes carry more risk, necessitating robust upfront validation and a stronger user rationale.

Practical Insights: While researchers have limited control over product maturity, recognizing these shifts is key to adapting effectively. Mature products often bring organizational changes—larger teams, reorgs, or added functions—that require researchers to adjust their methods and navigate transitions.

User Knowledge Maturity

Questions to Consider:Are target users well-defined?Is there a comprehensive and accessible body of knowledge about them?Are frameworks like personas or critical user journeys (CUJs) established and driving key decisions?

Why It Matters: Teams with low user knowledge often present both significant challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the potential for impact is huge because much foundational work remains to be done. On the other hand, low user knowledge may indicate systemic barriers or past difficulties in building and applying this understanding.

Practical Insights: Researchers joining such teams must assess the environment and determine whether they can build and socialize user insights effectively. A team open to investing in user knowledge can create incredible opportunities for influence.

Cross-Functional UXR Maturity

Questions to Consider:How familiar are stakeholders with the role and value of UXR?Do they view research narrowly, equating it with usability testing?

Why It Matters: Stakeholder expectations significantly affect a researcher’s ability to execute ambitious projects. Teams unfamiliar with UXR’s strategic potential may need time and education before they embrace foundational or roadmap-shaping research.

Practical Insights: Sometimes, researchers must first demonstrate value through tactical projects to build trust and credibility. These projects can establish relationships and reset stakeholder expectations, creating a foundation for more impactful work in the future.

UXR Team Maturity

Questions to Consider:Does the team have the right tools, skills, and processes to balance tactical and strategic research?Are team members collaborating effectively, building on each other’s work, and sharing expertise?

Why It Matters: A mature, well-functioning UXR team can scale tactical research efficiently, freeing up time for strategic efforts. For instance, at Google, integrating quantitative researchers alongside qualitative and mixed-methods researchers fosters robust data triangulation, enhancing the team’s overall impact.

Practical Insights: Healthy team dynamics—such as mutual support, knowledge-sharing, and cross-functional collaboration—amplify the team’s collective output. Teams that operate as more than the sum of their parts are better positioned to influence high-level product decisions.

Conclusion: Building Influence Through Understanding and Growth

The UXR Maturity Framework provides a lens to evaluate the factors shaping a researcher’s influence within their organization. By recognizing these facets, researchers can better adapt to their circumstances, identify areas for investment, and build stronger relationships with cross-functional teams.

I hope this framework sparks ideas and helps fellow researchers gain clarity on how to grow their influence over time. I’d love to hear how others have approached similar challenges and what frameworks they’ve developed to navigate them.