Eduardo Ortiz
CEO and Founding Owner, Coforma
Robin Beers
Customer Insights and Experience Design Lead, Wells Fargo
Rachael Dietkus, LCSW
Digital Services Expert in Design & Social Work, United States Digital Service
Bruce Gillespie
Associate Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University
Jess Greco
Director, Product Experience Design, Mastercard
Marieke McCloskey
Director of UX Research, LinkedIn
Renee Reid
Staff UX Design Researcher, LinkedIn
Summary
In this engaging panel discussion, Robin, Rachel, Bruce, Jess Ika, and Renee share their insights on how researchers can reclaim their power within organizations. They explore various themes including the importance of team collaboration during audits and engaging legal departments proactively to foster better practices in research. Insights on how to effectively use data in storytelling emerge as crucial for driving recommendations. The panelists highlight the significance of engaging marginalized voices and advocating for representation within teams to enhance collective agency. Each speaker shares personal experiences that underscore the need for researchers to embrace their expertise and to communicate their value effectively. The discussion concludes with a reminder of the inherent power within the research discipline and how leveraging it requires both internal reflection and collective action.
Key Insights
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Collaboration is key; involve teams in the audit process rather than relying on individuals.
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Proactive relationships with legal teams can simplify complex conversations about conduct and privacy.
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Numbers alone don't engage; they should be coupled with personal stories to resonate with audiences.
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Integrated insights from data analytics and user research yield the most impactful outcomes.
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Power is about agency; researchers should embrace their value and communicate it clearly.
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Marginalized voices must be uplifted to enhance representation and decision-making in research contexts.
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Questions can be powerful tools; inviting dialogue can bolster credibility and authority.
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The longevity of insights varies; some may be ever-relevant while others are context-specific.
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Reclaiming power starts internally; organizations must reflect diverse capabilities to promote external advocacy.
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Understanding and addressing trauma can improve collaboration and innovation processes in research.
Notable Quotes
"Reframing the question helps us see that we haven't given our power away, it's still there waiting to be recognized."
"Having proactive relationships with legal teams turns challenging conversations into constructive dialogues."
"Data is powerful, but presenting it alongside a user story can make it more relatable."
"The real power is in asking great questions and managing your own reactivity."
"There’s this challenge of how we measure impact; we need space to tell stories and discuss unquantified impact."
"Shine theory works for everyone; the more we uplift each other, the harder it is to ignore us."
"We have to remember that not every insight has the same shelf life; some learnings are evergreen."
"Engaging with the stories behind data is crucial for deeper understanding and connection."
"As leaders, we must ensure that our teams reflect the diversity needed to drive change."
"Standing on the table provides us with greater power than simply having a seat at it."
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