?? Keep your research momentum going

?? This week has been a mix of recharging and returning to work. After spending some time surrounded by nature outside Zurich, I’ve managed to get back into a regular running routine—two times a week feels like a small win. It was also refreshing to step back into projects after a short break and appreciate the energy and dedication my team brings every day.

?? In this week’s edition, we have Piotr Prokopowicz from Google sharing his journey from academia to UX research, including his work with Fitbit users and how he translates research into real-life health impacts. We also dive into key topics like keeping research momentum post-readout, avoiding common UX research mistakes, and overcoming resistance to research. Plus, there’s a practical guide for beginners on using R & RStudio, and insights into improving collaboration across departments to elevate research quality.

Wishing you a great research week ahead,

Jan

?? Humans of User Research with Piotr Prokopowicz

Hi Piotr, tell us a little about yourself!

Hey there! I'm Piotr Prokopowicz , a Senior User Researcher at Google, working on the Platforms & Devices team. As a mixed-methods researcher, my main goal is to understand the needs, fitness, and health journeys of Fitbit users, helping them work out better, more efficiently, and in a way that’s most satisfying for them. For most of my career, I've focused on connecting product science with academic research, but over a year ago, I transitioned fully into a UXR role and haven’t looked back since. On a personal note, I’m based in Krakow, and I love making great coffee and recording average punk-rock covers of popular kids' songs.

What motivated you to transition fully into UXR from a patchwork career in academia and product science?

What motivated me to dive fully into UXR was the chance to see my research directly impact products that help people live healthier lives. In my role, I get to focus on improving how millions of users engage with their fitness and wellness journeys. The fast pace of UXR is also thrilling–especially after academia–, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the insights I gather can really make a difference in how people stay active, reach their fitness goals, and lead healthier lives.

How would you explain your work to a 6-year-old?

I often explain what I do to children, especially since I have two daughters, 7 and 10. Since most kids these days know what an app and a smartwatch are, I tell them that I talk to and watch how people use these devices and apps for exercises like jumping jacks or running. Then I help the people who make them fix anything confusing so it’s fun and helps them get stronger!

How can people learn more about you and your work?

I'm pretty active on LinkedIn, so feel free to connect and message me there . And if you're feeling brave, check out my renditions of Paw Patrol and Do You Want to Build a Snowman on youtube!

Thank you, Piotr!

?? Articles of the Week.

How to keep your research's momentum going after the readout Research leader Eniola Abioye shares her tried-and-true practices for activating your insights—from building a foundation to fostering cross-departmental relationships. Eniola Abioye and kris Kopac 09/13

Overlooked UX research mistakes many make (but you don't have to) Great UX research isn’t just about conducting methodologically sound studies. Johanna Jagow 09/11

The countdown to Disco Conf is on! ??? (Sponsored) DISCO CONF is back for round three! On October 17, Maze is turning up the volume on research and discovery—delving deeper into the most pressing topics shaping the product industry. Come along to connect and learn—what will you discover? ?? Register today

Dealing with Resistance to UX Research [Report] A significant part of respondents frequently encounter resistance to UX research, with over half rating the resistance at 5 or above on a 7-point Likert scale. 09/11

Getting Started with R & RStudio This article is an easy-to-follow tutorial that guides you through setting up RStudio and using R to conduct your first statistical analysis and data visualization. It's packed with straightforward steps and practical tips to help you quickly master the essentials of using RStudio in the real world. Trevor Calabro 05/11

The importance of methodological rigor in UX research Is your data worth anything? Jonas Engkvist 09/03

?? Video of the Week.

Improving UX Research Quality with Cross-Department Collaboration Learn how strategic internal collaboration can elevate UX research by partnering with diverse departments across the organization. Key takeaways include aligning goals, improving participant recruitment, strengthening customer relationships, and boosting productivity. YouTube 09/06

?? Audio of the Week.

Finding Balance in UX Research with Cory Lebson Cory Lebson explores the evolution of UX research, AI’s role, and balancing research with business needs. Key insights include overcoming imposter syndrome, fostering collaboration with product managers, and creating user-centric products in fast-paced environments. Apple Spotify 09/09