Awkward Silences

The popularity of AI moderation tools, increased attention on "big" data sets (and streams), and the ongoing uncertainty in the research job market have (understandably) led some to wonder about the future of qualitative research. Our guest today, however, is bullish, and explains why.Nancy Baum leads the qualitative research practice at C+R Research. She has nearly 20 years' experience in the field, exposing her to many ebbs and flows. Nancy believes that qualitative practitioners are vital to sifting through the mounds of data, information, and competing interests flooding many companies' attention. Focusing on and uncovering the "Why?" and "How?" still matters today.Listen to learn ways to advocate for qual research, what Nancy thinks of AI-moderation, and how she's developing new researchers.Highlights09:19 How stakeholders misunderstand qualitative research22:46 AI moderation complements quantitative surveys32:32 Customizing deliverables for stakeholder impact41:09 Flexibility navigates unpredictable human conversations47:49 Deep listening trumps active listening50:26 Early stakeholder conversations secure research valueResourcesTry our qualitative sample size calculatorThe best qualitative research tools in 2025Qual vs. quant vs. mixed method approaches

In just ten years, ResearchOps has transformed from an obscure Silicon Valley speciality into a vibrant global profession. Despite economic headwinds, ResearchOps roles are emerging across industries far beyond tech, and the field is evolving at breathtaking speed. But where have we come from, and where are we going?In this five-part audio documentary, we’re exploring the past, present, and future of ResearchOps—and it’s exciting, fascinating, and, at times, pretty mindblowing stuff! Each episode features the voices of Cha Cha Club members, senior research leaders, and the smart minds behind User Interviews.In this fifth and final—”awwww”, we hear you say—episode of ResearchOps 2.0, we’re turning the spotlight on the people of ResearchOps: the curious minds, problem-solvers, and system-builders who’ve made this profession what it is today. We’ll explore who they are, where they’ve come from, and what drives them to transform how organisations learn from their users.If you’re a ResearchOps professional, this episode will make you feel seen and heard. If you’re a leader looking to hire a ResearchOps role, this episode will help you think differently about who might hire. And if you’re looking to transition into a ResearchOps career, this episode will give you a great sense of the skills you need and the incredible profession you’ll become a part of.

Lexi Brights, Director of Research at Workday, emphasizes the evolution of change management in research operations, highlighting the need for adaptability. Kaylee Dankner, Senior Research Operations Manager at LinkedIn, shares insights on reorganizing research initiatives for improved flexibility and forecasting. They discuss prioritizing problems over solutions to maintain focus, the emotional impact of layoffs, and the importance of learning business strategy to anticipate shifts. Together, they explore building resilient systems amidst constant change in a rapidly evolving field.

Join Casey Garland, an AI productivity expert at IBM and advocate for open research platforms, alongside Garrett Zucada from Intuit, as they explore the dynamic evolution of ResearchOps. They discuss the importance of a platform approach, revealing how open collaboration drives innovation. Expect insights on building robust research ecosystems, the shift from isolated methods to integrated strategies, and the balance between centralized tools and tailored solutions. Their forward-thinking perspectives illuminate the future of research operations like never before!

Larry Becker and Gavin Lew from Bold Insight are joined by Katie Johnson, Global Head of Research for Panasonic Well. They discuss innovative prototyping methods for AI, focusing on creating user experiences that genuinely resonate. The trio explores techniques like low-fidelity simulations and human interactions to gauge trust and relationships over time. Katie shares insights on simulating family dynamics with AI, while Gavin stresses the importance of getting AI right from the first interaction to avoid user abandonment. They provide practical frameworks for navigating emerging AI technologies.

Dennis Meng, Co-founder and CPO at User Interviews, and Lexi Brights, Director of Research at Workday, dive into the evolving world of Research Ops shaped by AI. Meng elaborates on how research operations can harness AI agents, while Brights shares insights on utilizing AI to derive meaningful data from open-text survey responses. They discuss the balance between human oversight and AI autonomy, the challenges researchers face, and how continuous learning is essential in this rapidly advancing field. Expect engaging case studies and thought-provoking debates on AI's future role in research.

Lexi Breitz, Director of Research, Data Science, and UX Operations at Workday, shares her insights on the rapid transformation of ResearchOps. She discusses how the field evolved from niche beginnings to a global profession, emphasizing the importance of adapting to shifting roles. Lexi highlights the integration of AI, the need for specialized skills, and the shift towards strategic thinking in research ops. She reflects on personal experiences that underscore the challenges and opportunities professionals face in this dynamic landscape.

Caitria O'Neill, a seasoned UX researcher with experience at Airbnb, Meta, and soon Google, shares her insights on effectively communicating research findings. She dives into the art of crafting impactful reports and emphasizes the necessity of engaging storytelling. Caitria discusses strategies for structuring insights, enhancing presentations with visual storytelling, and the ever-evolving nature of research management. She even incorporates a light-hearted segment on her favorite emojis, showcasing their role in professional communication.

Kate Towsey, a Research Operations expert formerly at Atlassian, shares insights on the significance of Research Operations (ReOps) and its growing relevance in business. She emphasizes the essential steps to start a ReOps practice while navigating challenges like participant recruitment and operational management. Kate discusses her journey from content strategist to researcher, tackling imposter syndrome along the way. Now investing in Cha Cha Club, she highlights the importance of community and collaboration in enhancing research efficiency.

Andrea Amorós, a Senior Principal Researcher at Ingram Micro and former Associate Principal UX Researcher at ADP, dives into the world of strategic research. She emphasizes its value in influencing stakeholders and the critical role of effective communication. Andrea discusses how to present findings with empathy, fostering engagement within organizations. She also explores the importance of self-awareness in professional growth and the unique challenges researchers face in driving impactful change. Tune in for insights on leveraging strengths and promoting a culture of collaboration!