Summary
We need more people with research skills in positions of influence and leadership in tech companies, but it can be difficult to feel like we’re succeeding in our roles, let alone growing into leadership. There is a lot to contend with—from the inevitable chaos of quickly growing organizations, or struggling to find “fit” when working with product teams, to ethical dilemmas about the unintended consequences of the technologies we help create. Rebecca Buck will discuss the most prevalent areas of conflict she has seen lead to researchers leaving teams, companies, or distancing themselves from the title “researcher”. Through stories and examples she will cover common patterns of frustration and offer tips and frameworks for navigating issues of defining the role of research, championing quality, and increasing influence with stakeholders.
Key Insights
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Technology shapes our lives and researchers must influence technology decisions for broader social implications.
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The influx of new researchers has not solved feelings of underutilization and mismanagement within organizations.
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Career paths in UX research are not always linear and often reflect unpredictable journeys.
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Many researchers report feeling disconnected from their teams, leading some to leave the field entirely.
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Performance reviews can feel counterproductive and can exacerbate tensions between researchers and their managers.
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Different backgrounds can provide researchers with strengths and blind spots that affect their work in organizations.
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Organizational structures for UX research teams are not standardized, leading to varied experiences and challenges.
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Research roles can be categorized based on time horizons—track builders, lookouts, scouts, and explorers.
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It's important to frame the concept of 'fit' in UX research in terms of broader product market fit rather than personal inadequacies.
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Burnout in the tech industry is a growing concern and individuals should be proactive about their well-being.
Notable Quotes
"I want to keep more people in research."
"I've seen companies double or even triple research headcount."
"Sadly, I wind up hearing stories where people felt so disrespected that they leave the field entirely."
"I tend to work with startups that don’t have research teams or career ladders."
"I always want people to feel like they’re making choices based on what's best for them."
"What's your definition of good research?"
"Life is all about trade-offs."
"It’s rare that people’s careers are predictable linear progressions."
"You might be making poor assumptions about what to build at all."
"If you're feeling stuck, find ways to have fun and continue learning."
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