Awkward Silences

• #164 - UX Lessons from a Decade Researching AI with Jess Holbrook of Microsoft

  Much of the conversation around AI in UX involves how it will shape and change researchers' work. Today's guest, Jess Holbrook, who leads UX research for Microsoft AI, has been thinking a lot about how this technology can be improved with design and UX best practices. Jess has spent over a decade working on the UX of AI at companies like Meta and Google. He's also helped develop foundational principles for the ethical use of LLMs.Jess joins Erin and Ben to reframe the AI conversation, focusing on how UXRs can and should adapt, what working on these systems has taught him about the UX discipline, and his philosophy for building teams that are ready to take on the innovative challenges of tomorrow.Jess's recommendations: Matt Webb, Maggie Appleton, and the Pessimists Archive Newsletter. Highlights07:15 Human-Centered AI Evolution17:53 Evolving AI Forecast Strategies24:04 Diverse AI Team Building33:27 Navigating Responsible AI Challenges37:01 Qualitative Analysis with AI Tools40:15 Optimism and Concerns About AIAbout JessSenior Director of Research specializing in human-centered AI. Early stage investor in AI, AI hardware ecosystems, climate, and anything that seems like the world would be better with it in it. Currently leading UX research for Microsoft AI. Previously led the Generative AI team and supported all UX functions for the Responsible AI and data transparency teams at Meta. I also served on the Board of Forging Youth Resilience, a nonprofit that empowers young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a national network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship. ResourcesThe AI in UX Research Report20+ Tools for Every Research PhaseUsing AI in UX: A Day-in-the-Life

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• #163 - Creating Mindful Product Experiences with Jay Vidyarthi of Still Ape

  In this episode, Erin and Ben chat with Jay Vidyarthi, designer, author, and founder at Still Ape. Jay is a leading thinker around designing mindful product experiences. He's also published a new book, RECLAIM YOUR MIND, which examines the balance of technology use and mindfulness in our everyday lives.Jay shares his journey to working in the mindful technology space, how we can shift our frame from "user" to "life" experience design, and the benefits companies see when their products consider the whole person on the "other end." Jay also shares strategies for maintaining mindfulness during our own technology use, and ways we can carry these practices into research and design practices.Highlights03:55 Design for Mindful Well-Being08:13 Mindful Design: Impact Over Intentions14:54 Broadening Design's Impact on Life25:20 Holistic Recruitment Strategies34:10 Enhancing Connection Through Mindful Presence42:48 Understanding Technology's Emotional PullAbout JayJay Vidyarthi is the author of RECLAIM YOUR MIND and an accomplished designer, entrepreneur, and thought leader at the unique intersection of mindfulness and technology. As the founder of Still Ape, he’s been involved in over fifty technologies that have helped millions of people improve their well-being, including Muse, the Healthy Minds Program, Sonic Cradle, and many more. His work and ideas have been featured by Harvard, MIT, TED, Forbes, CNN, Fast Company, and Vice.ResourcesThe Self Care Playbook for UX ResearchersCultivating Empathy for Your ColleaguesWellness and UX: Going Beyond the User Experience

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• #162 - Empowering PwDR Using Research Education with Daniel Gottlieb of Microsoft

  Many research activities are completed by non-researchers, but whose work is benefited from user insights. Generally, these folks—designers, PMs, developers, among others—are called "PwDR" or "people who do research." In addition to their own work, many UX researchers and operations specialists are focusing on educating and empowering this group. When stakeholders and colleagues are better informed on the hows and whys of user research, more of it gets done, more insights are integrated, and customer experiences improve.Daniel Gottlieb, Head of Research Operation for Microsoft's Developer Division, has spent a lot of time designing research education programs. He joins to discuss his success creating workshops that empower and inspire non-researchers to get involved. He shares the parts of a good workshop, ways to keep attendees engaged, and how he measures success.This is a revealing conversation for anyone who has wondered what successfully "democratizing" user research could look like. Daniel brings pragmatism and positivity to research education. You'll leave with a better sense of how to begin educating your own stakeholders on the power of user research, and maybe even get a democratization practice up and running.Highlights 12:12 - Empowering UX Researchers Multiplies Impact  17:21 - Collaborative Research and Customer Insights 22:08 - Guided Customer Research Workshops  27:22 - Building Excitement Through Coaching  36:38 - Benefits of Diverse Group Dynamics 38:25 - Empowering Developer-Led Research Showcase About DanielDaniel Gottlieb is the Head of Research Operations for Microsoft’s Developer Division User Research Group. He received his PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on animal welfare (quality of life) and primate (monkey) behavior.  Daniel moved from researching monkey behavior, to managing research logistics at a National Primate Research Center, to managing UX Research Operations in Microsoft’s Developer Division. He is passionate about making research easy and accessible, teaching, and finding ways for disparate groups to work together to support a unified research mission.ResourcesPwDR questions answered live by UXpert Nikki AndersonDiscovery research exploring "people who do research"The "State of Research for Non-Researchers" Report

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• #161 - Learn More Faster About Customers with Michael Margolis of GV

  This episode is all about learning from customers...early and often. Our guest, Michael Margolis, UX Research Partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), has made a career of helping teams do this successfully. He joins to share his Bullseye Customer Method, which is the result of his experience (it's also the subject of his latest book, "Learn More Faster," which is available for free).Michael breaks down the Bullseye Customer Method, including best practices for recruitment, question design, and analysis. He's found that research is more successful when it's a team effort, and shares ways to promote cross-team collaboration throughout the Bullseye process, like using watch parties for share-outs. Michael also weighs in (using his 30+ years in the industry) on topics like the current UX job market, the impact of AI on researchers, and the power democratization for resource-limited teams.It's a must-listen for anyone working on early-stage products or struggling with visibility and buy-in from stakeholders.Highlights06:33 Defining Core Value Proposition16:29 Founders' Key Concerns Analysis21:58 Clarifying Customer Understanding26:38 Effective Open-Ended Survey Questions31:46 Leveraging Associations for Networking43:01 Benefits of Team Watch PartiesAbout MichaelMichael joined GV in 2010 as the venture industry’s first UX research partner. As a UX researcher with over 30 years of experience, Michael has boosted conversion, tested new concepts, streamlined workflows, and defined bullseye customers for hundreds of companies. He helped develop the design sprint method made famous by the seminal book, Sprint. He has also written about his research work for startups at medium.com/@mmargolis. ResourcesChoose the right method with this selection toolMaking research essential to company successThe steps to asking better UX research questions

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• #160 - Where Design Thinking Went Wrong with Brett Krajewski of Accelerant Research

  In 2022, the UX community experienced a series of convulsions: layoffs, reorgs, and reduced budgets. A common thread throughout was accountability: user researchers faced frequent questions about their direct impact on and importance for the business. "Doing" UX research and "being" a design thinker was no longer enough.Today's guest believes these questions present opportunities for UX researchers. Brett Krajewski, VP Research and Growth at Accelerant Research, joins Erin and Carol to share strategies for researchers to stay sharp, stay relevant, and stay valuable. These include balancing business goals with user needs, being more experimental with methods, reframing how we use time for research, and more.Highlights06:30 Justifying UX ROI Amid Economic Challenges12:02 Integrating Insights for Improved UX18:50 Balancing User Needs and Business Goals21:07 Scalable Research in Fortune 500 Companies29:47 Innovative Strategies in Research Planning38:30 Storytelling's Role in Research ImpactAbout BrettBrett Krajewski is the Vice President of Research & Growth at Accelerant Research, where he leads the research and client solutions teams, delivering innovative insights to empower businesses and many fortune 500 companies. With a career spanning both in-house industry roles and consulting/agency leadership, Brett has built and led high-performing, multi-method research teams for Fortune 50 companies. His past roles include Head of Design Research: Customer at Walmart and Lead of Product Research at Lowe’s, where he drove customer-focused innovation and strategy.ResourcesComplete Guide to UX Research MethodologiesOn-Demand Business 101 for Researchers CoursePanel Discussion on the Future of UX Research

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