Awkward Silences

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!

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, were we revisit some of Awkward Silences' most memorable episodes.This week, Eniola Abioye, UX Researcher at Meta, discusses what it takes to break into the user research industry. Her advice on creating application materials, searching for roles, and preparing for the interview process offer evergreen insight for any job seeker.UX Career ResourcesFree on-demand course with Eniola: User Research 101The Ultimate UX Research Job BoardGetting started with freelance UX research

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, where we revisit some of Awkward Silences' most memorable episodes.This week features Amy Chess (then at Amazon) unpacking arguably the most important research skill: asking questions. She shares what makes a "good" question, how questions should connect to insights and impact, and how you can improve your question-creation ability.Research Question ResourcesA Guide to User Research Questions70+ User Testing Question ExamplesWriting Better User Interview Questions