By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience depends heavily on how easily people find what they need. When websites or apps have confusing menus or unclear navigation, users get frustrated and leave. Tree testing offers a simple but powerful way to improve information architecture by testing how users move through a site’s structure before design or coding begins. This guide explains how tree testing works and how it can help create clearer, more user-friendly navi

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research is crucial for building products that truly meet user needs. Yet, many UX professionals face a common challenge: stakeholders and product owners who do not see the value in investing time and resources into UX research. This resistance can slow down projects, reduce product quality, and create frustration for UX teams. Understanding how to navigate these situations can help you advocate for UX research effec

User experience (UX) research is essential for creating products that truly meet users’ needs. Yet, many teams struggle to turn research findings into real changes. You might have seen this happen: after weeks of interviews, surveys, or usability tests, the insights sit in a report gathering dust. Why does this happen? And how can you make sure your UX research leads to action? This post explores common reasons UX research findings fail to get implemented and offers practical

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research shapes how people interact with products and services. A great UX researcher uncovers real user needs and behaviors, guiding design decisions that improve usability and satisfaction. But what qualities set the best UX researchers apart? This post explores the skills, mindset, and approaches that make a UX researcher truly effective. A UX researcher reviewing user feedback notes on a whiteboard Strong Curiosi

Creating a UX research test plan is a critical step in understanding how users interact with a product. A well-crafted test plan guides the research process, ensures clear objectives, and helps teams gather meaningful insights. Without a solid plan, research can become unfocused, wasting time and resources. This post explores the essential elements that make a UX research test plan effective and practical. A UX research workspace with notes and wireframes Define Clear Researc

User experience (UX) research plays a crucial role in designing products that truly meet users' needs. Yet, even experienced UX researchers can fall into common traps that reduce the value of their work. These mistakes can lead to misleading conclusions, wasted resources, and missed opportunities to improve user satisfaction. Understanding these pitfalls and learning how to avoid them helps researchers deliver clearer insights and stronger design recommendations. A UX researc

Understanding users is the foundation of creating meaningful and effective digital experiences. UX research methodologies offer a variety of tools to uncover user needs, behaviors, and pain points. Choosing the right method at the right time can make the difference between a product that delights users and one that frustrates them. This guide breaks down key UX research methods, explaining how and when to apply them for the best results. UX researcher analyzing user data Qual

Being a great manager isn’t just about delivering results—it’s about building the kind of environment where your team can thrive, grow, and feel valued. The best managers are also mentors, guiding their people not only toward business goals but toward personal and professional fulfillment. After years of leading and mentoring teams, here’s what I’ve found matters most: How to be the Best UX Research Manager 1. Put People Before Projects Deadlines are important, but your peopl

When I think about my role as a leader, one thing always comes to mind: I work for my team, not the other way around.  That mindset is at the heart of servant leadership , and it’s shaped every decision I’ve made in my career. Over the years, I’ve led teams of every size—from one person to fifteen—and in every scenario, my focus has been the same: remove barriers, build trust, and help people grow into their best selves. What Servant Leadership in UX Research Means to Me Serv