Artificial intelligence (AI) offers powerful tools that can transform research strategies across industries. Yet, integrating AI into research requires careful planning to avoid risks such as data misuse, bias, and loss of human insight. Leaders face the challenge of balancing innovation with responsibility to ensure AI supports research goals safely and effectively. This post explores practical steps leaders can take to introduce AI into their research processes while mainta

Creating a culture where user experience (UX) efforts lead to clear, measurable results is a challenge many UX leaders face. Without measurable outcomes, teams struggle to prove the value of their work, and organizations miss opportunities to improve products based on real data. This post explores practical ways UX leaders can build a culture focused on measurable outcomes, helping teams deliver stronger results and gain greater influence within their organizations. Build a C

User experience research shapes how we design products that truly meet people’s needs. Over two decades in this field, I have seen trends come and go, tools evolve, and teams grow more diverse. Yet, some lessons remain constant. These insights come from real projects, challenges, and successes that have shaped my understanding of what makes UX research effective and impactful. This post shares 20 key lessons learned from 20 years of UX research. Whether you are new to the fie

When it comes to creating products that users love, understanding their needs and behaviors is non-negotiable. That’s where a professional UX research agency steps in. But what exactly do they do, and why should you care? Let’s dive into the world of UX research agencies and uncover how they can transform your design process and product success. What Does a Professional UX Research Agency Actually Do? At its core, a professional UX research agency helps businesses get inside

If UX Research Can’t Show ROI, It Becomes Optional UX research doesn’t usually disappear overnight. It slowly becomes optional. The studies still happen.The insights are still shared.But the work stops influencing decisions. Budgets tighten. Timelines compress.And suddenly research is framed as “nice to have,” not “necessary.” This isn’t because leaders stopped caring about users.It ’s because they couldn’t see the return . ROI isn’t about dollars alone When people hear “ROI,

User experience (UX) research plays a crucial role in shaping products that truly meet user needs. Yet, many teams bring UX researchers into projects only after major decisions have been made. This delay often leads to missed opportunities, costly redesigns, and products that don’t resonate with users. Understanding why UX research gets invited too late can help teams change their approach and build better products from the start. Why UX Research Gets Invited Too Late Common

If you’ve been in UX research long enough, you’ve heard some version of this: “We love research.”“This is great insight.”“Super interesting.” And then… nothing happens. No roadmap change. No decision shift. No follow-up questions. The research isn’t challenged — it’s simply bypassed . This disconnect isn’t hypocrisy. It’s a signal that something fundamental is misaligned. A cluttered desk with research papers and coffee, showing the chaos behind ignored research Liking resear

Leading a UX research team is a journey filled with constant learning. Even after years in the role, I find myself discovering new insights about leadership, collaboration, and the impact of research on product development. The challenges and rewards keep evolving, and so do the lessons. Here, I want to share some of the most valuable lessons I’m still learning as a UX research leader, hoping they resonate with others in similar roles or those aspiring to grow in this field.

When I first stepped into a UX research leadership role, I quickly realized that guiding a team through complex projects was far more challenging than I expected. Mistakes happen, but some can slow down progress or even damage the credibility of UX research within an organization. Over time, I learned which pitfalls to watch for and how to steer clear of them. If you lead a UX research team or aspire to, this post will help you avoid common errors and build stronger, more eff

Using research effectively can transform how designers and product managers (PMs) make decisions. Yet, many teams struggle to integrate research into their daily workflows. I’ve seen firsthand how coaching can bridge this gap, helping teams not only understand research but also apply it in ways that improve products and user experiences. In this post, I’ll share practical strategies I’ve used to coach designers and PMs to get more value from research. These approaches focus o

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When I first joined a product team as a UX researcher, I quickly realized that not all research efforts were pulling in the same direction. Some projects focused heavily on usability testing, while others prioritized market trends or stakeholder opinions. At first, I thought this diversity was a strength. But soon, I noticed a pattern: when UX research priorities were misaligned, the product suffered in ways that were hard to measure but

When I first stepped into the role of a UX research leader, I quickly realized that my job was about more than just gathering user feedback or running usability tests. It was about shaping decisions that impact the entire product and business. Over time, I came to see myself as a decision architect —someone who designs the way decisions are made by providing clear, relevant, and timely insights. This perspective changed how I approached my work and how I helped my teams succe

When a user experience (UX) project fails, it can feel like a major setback. Yet, these failures often reveal valuable lessons that can shape future success. Understanding what went wrong and why helps teams avoid repeating mistakes and build better products. This post explores key insights from a failed UX initiative, offering practical advice for designers, product managers, and developers aiming to improve their UX efforts. Workspace showing UX sketches and notes, highligh

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) leadership is often talked about in broad terms, but real lessons come from concrete examples. A recent case study I reviewed revealed practical insights into what makes UX leadership effective and impactful. This post breaks down those lessons, focusing on how UX leaders can guide teams, influence product decisions, and create meaningful user experiences. A UX designer creating wireframes during a brainstorming sess

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today’s fast-moving digital world, UX research isn’t just about running studies and collecting data—it’s about building systems that help organizations make better, evidence-based decisions. For leaders managing large UX research teams, the role expands beyond methods and deliverables. It’s about vision, alignment, and people development . The Role of a UX Research Leader At scale, leadership becomes less about conducting studies your

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today's fast-paced digital world, user experience (UX) design directly impacts the success of products and services. Research is a cornerstone of this process, but it has often been confined to specialized teams. This can create gaps between user insights and the wider product development team. Now, a shift towards democratizing UX research is allowing everyone on the team to have a voice in the research process. This inclusive approa

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today's fast-paced digital landscape, understanding user experience (UX) is more important than ever. As organizations grow, so does the need for effective UX research. Scaling UX research can seem overwhelming, but with strategic approaches, the benefits are significant. Research can lead to better product design and higher user satisfaction. This post will explore actionable strategies for scaling UX research within your organizatio

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Excellence in UX Research isn’t just about delivering insights. It’s about raising the craft, influencing decisions, and creating a culture where user understanding is a non-negotiable part of how organizations operate. After 20+ years leading research teams, I’ve seen the difference between excellence and mediocrity at every level—individual, leadership, and organizational. And the impact is profound. Excellence at the Researcher Level

By Philp Burgess - UX Research Leader Why this matters: Teams often use these terms interchangeably, which leads to fuzzy goals, mismatched methods, and weak decisions. This guide clarifies the major UX Research Styles , when to use them, and how to explain each to stakeholders. A simple mental model Think in two dimensions across the product lifecycle: Problem space → understand people, contexts, needs, opportunities Solution space → design, test, and measure solutions Life

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader If you’ve ever presented research to executives and felt the energy drain the moment you mentioned usability scores or journey maps, you’re not alone. Many executives care first and foremost about revenue, growth, and risk mitigation . The good news? UX research directly impacts all three—you just need to frame it the right way. 1. Speak the Language of Business, Not Research Executives don’t buy into research because it’s “interesting”