As user expectations accelerate and product cycles compress, traditional research methods are giving way to continuous feedback loops. Here's how to build a research practice that keeps pace with modern product development.

As users seamlessly move between devices and platforms, UX researchers must evolve their strategies to capture insights across the entire user journey. Here's how to build research frameworks that work in our multi-device world.

When I first dove into the world of user experience, I quickly realized it’s more than just making things look pretty. It’s about crafting meaningful interactions that resonate with users and drive real business outcomes. If you’re aiming to lead advanced UX research and strategy, understanding the core user experience principles is non-negotiable. These principles guide us in creating products and services that are not only usable but also delightful and effective. Let’s exp

🎯 Background An e-commerce retailer noticed unusually high shopping cart abandonment rates. Initial analytics showed a sharp drop-off at...

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

Making the jump from being a hands-on UX researcher to managing a UX research team changes everything. It is not just a new job title but a shift in how you think, what you focus on, and how you measure success. Instead of producing research yourself, your role becomes about helping your team deliver their best work and shaping the bigger picture. This change can feel overwhelming at first. The skills that made you a great researcher are still important, but now you also need

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research leaders play a crucial role in shaping products that truly meet user needs. Their work goes beyond gathering data; it involves guiding teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving strategic decisions. To succeed, UX research leaders must develop a specific set of skills that balance technical expertise, leadership, and communication. This post explores the core competencies every UX research leader should bu

Building and guiding a UX research team requires more than just assembling skilled individuals. It demands a clear strategy, a supportive culture, and a focus on delivering meaningful impact. When these elements come together, the team can uncover insights that shape user-centered products and drive business success. Leading a UX Research Team Defining a Clear Strategy for Leading a UX Research Team A strong strategy for leading a UX Research Team sets the foundation for a te

After two decades in UX research, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from perfect projects—it comes from the messy, uncomfortable moments that test your assumptions, challenge your confidence, and ultimately sharpen your craft. Every researcher has a few cringe-worthy stories. Decks that didn’t land. Findings that went nowhere. Conversations that could’ve been handled better.Here are the biggest mistakes I’ve made (and what they taught me about becoming not just a better