Summary
We empathize and deeply understand our products’ end users, but do we understand our colleagues and stakeholders to the same level, as they are users of our insights? In this session, we’ll discuss how changing our mindset and better understanding our colleagues can unlock a path to research acceleration.
Key Insights
-
•
Distinguishing findings from insights is crucial; findings are observations, insights reveal motivations and consequences.
-
•
Stakeholders are the end users of research outputs and their needs and beliefs shape how they receive information.
-
•
People react to information that challenges their core beliefs as if facing a physical threat, causing defensive skepticism.
-
•
Confirmation bias leads people to accept information that aligns with their beliefs and reject what conflicts.
-
•
Sharing research insights requires tailored communication strategies based on the audience’s familiarity and role.
-
•
Reports alone may not foster empathy or understanding; interactive and creative methods like workshops and storytelling work better.
-
•
Knowing the desired outcome of sharing research (e.g., decision-making, empathy-building, buy-in) should guide how it’s presented.
-
•
Conflict management skills are essential when presenting challenging research insights that may provoke strong reactions.
-
•
Engagement with research outputs is often stronger when stakeholders are involved early and consistently throughout the project.
-
•
Creative communication techniques such as persona exercises, highlight reels, and narrative storytelling improve retention and resonance.
Notable Quotes
"Findings are observations with a short shelf life, whereas insights get deep into the why and the consequences."
"Stakeholders are users too; the product we’re sharing is the research and learnings for their decision-making."
"We’re biologically wired to respond to intellectual challenges the same way as physical threats."
"We’re selectively skeptical—skeptical about some things but not others based on what we want to believe."
"If the scale delivers bad news, we jump on and off to check; if it delivers good news, we accept it quickly."
"Empathy doesn’t come from reading a report—you don’t get close to users by just reading data."
"Storytelling helps gain people’s attention, build empathy, and improve understanding and recall of key points."
"Not all learnings lead to crucial conversations, but big insights often do, requiring emotional awareness."
"We need to think about who we’re sharing with, how they might react, and what motivates them."
"Choosing the right output depends on the desired outcome—from quick iterations to gaining senior leadership buy-in."
Dig deeper—ask the Rosenbot:
















More Videos

"Carol was really grateful for our conversation."
Randolph Duke IIWar Stories LIVE! Randy Duke II
March 30, 2020

"This is a moment to rethink identity beyond UX and get creative with income streams and career paths."
Corey Nelson Amy SanteeLayoffs
November 15, 2022

"If you measure an infinite number of customers, every change would be statistically significant, but not every change would be meaningful."
Landon BarnesAre My Research Findings Actually Meaningful?
March 10, 2022

"There was a founder who said our job was to coach people to not need us anymore, which is the kind of mindset I wish was more common."
Amy BucherHarnessing behavioral science to uncover deeper truths
March 12, 2025

"With QFI, we go upstream: simulate, model, predict user behavior before shipping, not just react after."
David SternbergUncovering the hidden forces shaping user behavior
July 17, 2025

"Processes are never perfect, but thoughtful testing limits disruption for your team."
Deanna SmithLeading Change with Confidence: Strategies for Optimizing Your Process
September 23, 2024

"Work on yourself. Understand your identity and privilege before trying to serve others."
Jennifer StricklandAdopting a "Design By" Method
December 9, 2021

"Around 14 to 20 designers is usually the tipping point where having a dedicated design ops person starts to make sense."
Rachel Posman John CalhounA Closer Look at Team Ops and Product Ops (Two Sides of the DesignOps Coin)
November 19, 2020

"Creating and holding space is like putting bumpers up in bowling so people know they won’t fail if they engage."
Gina MendoliaTherapists, Coaches, and Grandmas: Techniques for Service Design in Complex Systems
December 3, 2024
Latest Books All books
Dig deeper with the Rosenbot
How can knowledge management empower design teams to engage and win over skeptical government leaders?
What are the biggest risks of skipping architecture and design when using AI to build software?
What are effective ways to design and implement a unified methodology for process and design transformation?