By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Competitive audits are essential for identifying UX opportunities, understanding market standards, and guiding product differentiation. But let’s be honest—they’re time-intensive, messy, and often hard to scale across multiple competitors and platforms. This case study explores how our team leveraged AI tools to cut audit time in half , enhance pattern recognition, and deliver richer, more actionable insights to stakeholders. The Challen

Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are transforming the digital landscape—and UX research is no exception. As these tools become more embedded in our workflows and the products we help shape, every UX researcher needs to understand what they are, how they work, and what they mean for our craft. This isn’t just about learning a new tool. It’s about understanding the new terrain of human-computer interaction . What

Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to enter the UX world, many researchers are asking: What exactly is the difference between AI-powered research and traditional UX research?  Are we evolving or replacing our practice? The answer lies not in opposition—but in augmentation. Traditional UX Research: Depth Through Human Empathy Traditional UX research is rooted in human-centered principles . Whether it's moderated interviews, contextual

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the ever-evolving landscape of UX research, artificial intelligence isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformation. From streamlining analysis to unlocking new capabilities, AI is redefining how researchers work, where we spend our time, and what’s possible within our processes. From Labor-Intensive to Lightning Fast Historically, UX research has been time-consuming. Transcribing interviews, synthesizing insights, coding data, and writing r

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader AI is quickly becoming an essential partner for UX researchers. From brainstorming research questions to synthesizing findings, the right prompts can unlock faster insights and help teams scale research impact. Below is a curated list of 100 AI prompts for UX research , organized into categories you can use throughout the research lifecycle. Research Planning & Strategy Generate research questions about [specific feature/product]. Create

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader How to Ask Smarter Questions in an AI-Augmented Workflow As UX research evolves in tandem with AI, the way we ask questions is changing. Prompts—whether used in generative tools, synthesis engines, or stakeholder conversations—are becoming the new currency of insight. But not all prompts are created equal. The best prompts don’t just extract data. They unlock meaning. Whether you're guiding AI tools to generate personas, summarize interv

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader What the Balance Looks Like As AI continues to reshape the landscape of design and decision-making, UX research stands at a pivotal crossroads. The question is no longer whether machine intelligence will play a role—it already does. The real question is: how do we balance the precision of algorithms with the depth of human empathy? This isn’t a story of replacement. It’s a story of integration. Empathy Isn’t Optional At its core, UX rese

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Why Human-Centered Insight Still Matters in an AI-Driven World The rise of AI has sparked a wave of speculation across industries, and UX research is no exception. With machine learning models capable of parsing user behavior, generating personas, and even predicting design outcomes, it’s fair to ask: will AI replace UX researchers? The short answer? No. But the long answer is far more interesting—and essential for leaders navigating the

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As AI continues to reshape industries, UX researchers face a pivotal opportunity: not just to adapt, but to lead. In AI-first organizations—where machine learning, automation, and predictive systems drive product strategy—the role of UX research is evolving from tactical support to strategic stewardship. Here’s what that future looks like. From Usability to Explainability Traditional UX research has focused on usability, clarity, and sat

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Role:  Manager, User Experience Research (player/coach) Company:  Fortune 50 healthcare organization (multi‑line) Timeline:  12 weeks (Phase 1) Team:  1 PM, 2 Product Designers, 1 Content Designer, 1 Data Analyst, 1 UXR (me), Eng Lead Headline Outcome We improved task success and perceived ease/satisfaction for “Find Your Benefits” by  ~20–22%  and lifted engagement with the benefits area to a top‑five feature within a month of release. 

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”

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Stepping into a UX Research leadership role is exciting—and daunting. The first 90 days can set the tone for your credibility, influence, and the impact your team delivers. Here’s a roadmap for making those early months count. The First 90 Days as a UX Research Leader Day 1–30: Listen, Learn, Build Trust Goals: Understand the business context and product strategy. Build relationships with key stakeholders (product, design, engineering, e

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader “The art of leadership is not giving answers, but asking the right questions.”    In UX research, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When leaders shift from issuing directives to posing thoughtful questions, they unlock deeper insight, stronger ownership, and scalable impact. Why Autonomy Matters in UX Research UX researchers thrive when they’re trusted to explore, adapt, and innovate. Autonomy fuels: Methodological rigor : Resear

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader   Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.  In UX research, this means shifting from directing to empowering—serving first, so your team can thrive. Why “Serve First” Matters in UX Research UX researchers are the heartbeat of user-centered design. They navigate ambiguity, advocate for users, and translate insights into impact. But too often, they’re asked to deliver without being supported.

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the high-stakes world of research-driven organizations—where data guides decisions and insights shape strategy—trust isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the currency of collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. And one leadership philosophy consistently earns that trust: servant leadership . What Is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy. Instead of commanding from the top, servant leaders empower f

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the fast-paced world of product development, UX Research Leaders often feel the pressure to move quickly, deliver insights, and prove value. But the strongest leaders know that their role isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about empowering their team to thrive. This is where servant leadership  becomes not only relevant but transformative. Understanding Servant Leadership Servant leadership flips the traditional leadership mode

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As UX Research Leaders, we don’t just manage projects—we manage people. And sometimes, the conversations we have with our researchers are charged with emotion. Whether it’s frustration over a stalled project, anxiety about career growth, or personal stress spilling into work, these moments require us to lean into servant leadership. Servant leadership isn’t about control; it’s about care, empathy, and creating a space where people feel h

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Layoffs are among the most difficult challenges any leader will face—especially in a field like UX research, where trust, empathy, and human connection are the cornerstones of the discipline. When researchers are impacted, leaders must balance organizational realities with care for their people. Leading well during these moments can define your leadership legacy. 1. Acknowledge the Human Impact Behind every role is a person with a story,

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Meetings can either be a powerful force for alignment and inspiration—or a frustrating time sink. For UX Research leaders, striking the right balance in team meetings is crucial. Done well, they foster connection, sharpen research craft, and align the team with organizational goals. Done poorly, they drain energy and enthusiasm. This post outlines best practices, recommended structures, and guidance on how often to hold UX Research team

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader One-on-one meetings are one of the most powerful tools a UX Research Leader can use to build trust, support growth, and keep a pulse on both team health and project outcomes. Yet, too often, these meetings turn into status updates or routine check-ins rather than meaningful conversations. Here’s how to transform your 1:1s into valuable, intentional sessions that drive both personal and professional growth. 1. Set the Right Foundation Bef