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Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
Anthro to UX with Matt Artz episodes
- Jesse Dart on Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Jesse Dart speaks with Matt Artz about his journey into UX research. Jesse shares his path from anthropology to UX research, highlighting his unique experience studying food and organizational anthropology in tech companies. He discusses his transition from academia to UX research through an agency in Rome, and his current role as a senior UX researcher at Hyatt Hotels, where he applies ethnographic methods to understand the complex hospitality industry.
About Jesse DartJesse Dart is a film photographer, writer, and Italian/American citizen based in the western United States, he frequently travels to Europe. His writing, influenced by his background in cultural anthropology, focuses on adventure, travel, society, and culture. Jesse has contributed to various publications including Monocle, The Guardian, and Vice. As a social anthropologist, Jesse is a senior researcher for Hyatt Hotels, applying his expertise to understand cultural nuances in hospitality. He holds a PhD in anthropology from The University of Sydney and an M.A. in gastronomy from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Jesse publishes a newsletter of short stories and photos called “Art of the Escape” and his first book “Feeding the Hustle” was released in 2021. He was awarded an Artist Opportunity Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts in 2024 and has appeared on the Anthropologist on the Street podcast.
Key Takeaways- Hotels are complex environments requiring an anthropologist’s eye to understand the nuances of guest experiences and organizational dynamics
- UX research in hospitality must consider multiple stakeholders, from guests to staff members who interact with digital products
- Ethnographic methods and fieldwork can validate and provide context to quantitative data in corporate settings
- Photography and writing skills from anthropological training can complement and enhance UX research capabilities
Key Moments
- 1:00 Introduction to anthropology through international travel and exchange programs
- 2:46 Education in applied anthropology in Australia
- 11:17 Introduction to UX through Fifth Beat agency in Rome
- 14:39 Transition to Hyatt Hotels as senior UX researcher
- 19:28 Discussion of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in corporate research
- 26:06 Integration of photography and writing with UX research career
Recommended Links- Jesse Dart’s LinkedIn
- Jesse Dart’s Instagram
- Jesse Dart’s Substack
- Feeding the Hustle
32 min - Sonja Hodgson on Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Sonja Hodgson speaks with Matt Artz about her journey into UX research. Sonja shares her path from anthropology to UX research, highlighting the transferable skills from her anthropological background. She discusses her experiences in various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, market research, and her current position as a UX researcher at LexisNexis. Sonja emphasizes the value of anthropological methods in UX research and the importance of continuous learning in the field.
About Sonja HodgsonSonja Hodgson is a UX Researcher II at LexisNexis Legal, where she applies her expertise in applied anthropology to drive user-centric solutions in the legal technology sector. With a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, Sonja brings a unique perspective to her work in UX research. Her career spans various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, and market research, before transitioning into UX research.
Key Takeaways- Anthropologists already possess many of the essential skills needed for UX research, with UX terminology often being a new “language” to learn.
- Continuous skill development, including learning statistics and data analysis tools, is crucial for career growth in UX research.
- The integration of AI tools in UX research can significantly enhance efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
- Networking and affordable online courses can be valuable resources for those looking to break into UX research, especially during challenging job markets.
Key Moments
- 1:54 Journey from anthropology to UX research
- 5:57 Transition from market research to UX research at LexisNexis
- 13:48 Applying anthropological skills in UX research
- 19:47 Integrating AI tools in UX research processes
- 22:52 Developing additional skills for UX research, including statistics
- 26:36 Advice for breaking into UX research in a tough job market
30 min - Fatimah Richmond on Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Fatimah Richmond speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. Fatimah shares her journey from computer science to anthropology and how she found her passion for human-computer interaction. She discusses the evolution of UX research and the importance of research maturity within organizations. Fatimah highlights the need for researchers to take ownership of their practice, understand power dynamics, and communicate the impact of their work effectively.
Opinions expressed are solely Fatimah Richmond’s own, and do not express the views or opinions of her current or former employers.”
About Fatimah RichmondFatimah Richmond is a UX Research Strategist with over 15 years of experience across AI, healthcare, enterprise software, productivity tools, talent solutions, and defense IT. She currently works at Google DeepMind, focusing on strategic research programs for AI User Experience (AIUX). Fatimah has held roles such as research manager, research program manager, and research assistant, executing qualitative research projects targeting large markets and specialized user groups. She completed her graduate studies in Applied Anthropology, Human Factors, and Design at San Jose State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Tuskegee University. Her mission is to empower user research, enable ethical and inclusive products, and document her findings.
Key TakeawaysFatimah emphasizes the importance of research maturity and understanding the impact of low-maturity organizations on the research process.
Researchers should embrace strategic operations and programs to tell the story of their function within the organization.
Creativity plays a key role in research innovation, and hobbies like poetry can enhance researchers’ creative thinking.
Taking a critical reflexive lens to study power dynamics and organizational culture can lead to a deeper understanding of research practices.
Key Moments- 1:22 Integrating Anthropology and Computer Science in Human-Computer Interaction
- 4:38 Anthropology of Work and the Digital Divide in Silicon Valley
- 7:07 Evolution of UX Roles and Usability Engineering
- 9:58 Adapting UX Research Across Different Organizational Environments
- 16:00 The Evolution and Diversification of UX Practitioners
- 18:00 Evolving Research Operations and Strategic Integration in Business
- 24:07 Understanding Research Maturity in Organizations
- 25:28 The Debate on Storytelling Skills in User Research
- 26:32 Enhancing Research Operations Through Strategic Metrics and Self-Analysis
- 34:55 Exploring Research Maturity and Creativity in Emerging Technologies
Recommended Links- Fatimah Richmond’s Personal Website
- Fatimah Richmond on LinkedIn
- Fatimah Richmond’s Instagram
- Fatimah Richmond’s Poetry Book
- Advancing Research – “What UXR Maturity looks like and how we get there?”
- Advancing Research – “Strategic Research Programs: The Future of Research Operations”
- EPIC2024 Salon
- Research Operations Community
- Fatimah Richmond’s Reading Resources
40 min - Tariq Rahman on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Tariq Rahman speaks with Matt Artz about his UX journey. He discusses his fieldwork in Pakistan's real estate market and how it allowed him to explore the intersection of anthropology and UX research. He also highlights his UX internships at Zameen.com and Nike and discusses how his strategy consulting internship at ReD Associates has also helped position him for a career in UX research.About Tariq RahmanTariq Rahman is currently finishing his PhD in Cultural Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, where he studied the role of social media and proptech in Pakistan’s emerging $1 trillion real estate market. He recently completed a UX Research internship at Nike and a Strategy Consulting internship at ReD Associates. His expertise lies in using ethnography to better understand the relationship between technology and culture, and leveraging these insights to inform product innovations and strategy.Key Moments
- 00:03:00 - Fieldwork in Pakistan on real estate market
- 00:06:00 - First internship at Zameen.com, a property portal
- 00:12:05 - Opportunity to work with companies in emerging markets during field work
- 00:13:48 - Making the case for UX research and its impact in Pakistan
- 00:15:00 - Lack of practical advice from department, self-learning UX research
- 00:18:00 - Introduction to UX during Nike internship, bottom-up experimental approach
- 00:22:23 - Importance of learning and seeking help during internships
- 00:23:00 - Internship at Red Associates
- 00:23:35 - Field work on generative AI use cases
- 00:24:27 - Collaborative research process and analysis at Red Associates
- 00:25:15 - Team dynamics in a project team
- 00:26:00 - Differences in ownership and decision-making in UX and strategy consulting
- 00:26:51 - Learning to speak to business interests in strategy consulting
- 00:27:44 - Applying strategy consulting skills to make UX research impactful
- 00:29:44 - Starting early with UX research and internships
Recommended Links- Tariq Rahman on LinkedIn
- Landscapes of rizq: Mediating worldly and otherworldly in Lahore's speculative real estate market
38 min - Rachel Puvvada on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Rachel Puvvada speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. She first unknowingly discovered anthropology in high school through an ethnography project exploring cultural identity. This sparked her interest in studying people and cultures, leading her to earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of Georgia. To position her for a career after college, Rachel took on ethnographic projects, created an online portfolio, and landed a UX research internship at SiriusXM. Now, as a UX researcher at Independence Pet Group, Rachel leverages her anthropology background while emphasizing continuous learning and curiosity. Passionate about helping others, she shares her less common path from an undergrad to UX to inspire other anthropology graduates.About Rachel PuvvadaRachel Puvvada recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia. She is now a UX Researcher at Figo Pet Insurance, leading as the sole member of the user experience research team. Before this, she interned as a Product and UX Researcher at SiriusXM, where she tested product designs, synthesized data, and shared insights with cross-functional teams. As a recent graduate in a new UX role, Rachel is committed to providing guidance and mentorship to individuals entering the field with similar educational backgrounds.Key Moments00:00:59 Rachel's interest in anthropology and cultural identity00:04:20 Rachel's experience in the anthropology program at the University of Georgia00:07:00 Discovering UX research and deciding on a career path00:09:30 Considering the need for an advanced degree in UX00:11:00 Rachel's journey of breaking into the field without a master's or PhD00:12:00 Building a portfolio with ethnographic projects and real-world experience00:12:56 Importance of real-world experience and managing stakeholders00:13:00 Applying to entry-level UX research jobs00:12:56 Real-world experience and job search struggles00:14:43 Difficulty breaking into the field with a bachelor's degree00:15:24 Landing an internship at Sirius XM00:16:00 Learning usability tests and specific UX research methodologies00:16:58 Challenges of being a team of one and relying on mentors00:18:11 Continuing to learn and explore new methodologies00:19:00 Finding resources through online readings and mentor relationships00:20:14 Encouragement for job seekers to persevere and stay curious00:22:37 Joining user research meetups and groups for networking00:24:39 Translating anthropological language into UX research languageRecommended Links
- Rachel Puvvada's Website
- Rachel Puvvada on LinkedIn
28 min - Sydney Yeager on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Sydney Yeager speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. She discusses how she discovered anthropology in college and fell in love with its holistic perspective. Sydney also talks about her involvement with the Digital Anthropology Networking Group (DANG) and the importance of establishing the credibility of anthropologists studying digital spaces. She highlights the value of storytelling in anthropology and how it translates to UX research. Sydney also shares her experience working in product management and UX research roles and discusses her current role at Walmart, where she focuses on providing tech solutions for employees and improving the employee experience.About Sydney YeagerSydney Yeager is a digital anthropologist with a career spanning academia and the private sector. Currently serving as a Senior Design Researcher at Walmart Global Tech, she previously held positions at AcreTrader and Boston Scientific. In academia, Yeager was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Rollins College and remains an active figure in anthropological circles as the co-founder and chair of the Digital Anthropology Interest Group (DANG). Her work consistently aims to integrate anthropological methodologies into technology and product development.Key Moments00:01:00 - Sydney's background and how she discovered anthropology.00:03:00 - Sydney's undergraduate research on health and healing traditions.00:04:00 - Sydney's interest in digital anthropology and involvement with DANG.00:06:00 - DANG's mission to establish the credibility of digital anthropology.00:08:00 - Sydney's interest in UX research and applied anthropology.00:10:00 - Sydney's early work in UX research and interaction with academics.00:13:00 - Experience in product management and UX research.00:18:00 - Role on the Associate Digital Experience team at Walmart.00:19:00 - Support for tech in the new Walmart campus.00:22:29 - Observations on building products for customers vs. employees00:24:00 - Need to translate employee experience into business goals00:25:00 - Importance of considering end users and customers separately00:26:03 - Ways to get involved in the digital anthropology groupRecommended Links
- Sydney Yeager's website
- Sydney Yeager on LinkedIn
- DANG's Website
- DANG Slack Group
30 min - Julia Wignall on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Julia Wignall speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. She discusses the value of anthropology in the healthcare field and how she uses design research and service design to improve patient experiences. Julia emphasizes the importance of executive sponsorship and navigating the complexity of healthcare problems. She also highlights the need for qualitative methods, journey mapping, and service blueprinting in service design. Julia provides insights into the intersection of anthropology, design, and healthcare.About Julia WignallJulia Wignall is an accomplished anthropologist currently serving as the Manager of Experience Insights & Design at Seattle Children's, where she brings the principles of social science to guide business decisions. With over a decade of experience in the field, she leads workforce, patient, and family experience insights, employing mixed methods research and service design for strategic innovation. Julia's expertise lies in ethical research practices, ethnography, and qualitative analysis, making her an invaluable asset in driving equity-focused design projects and generating actionable insights that impact product and program strategies throughout the organization.Key Moments00:01:25 - Julia's interest in anthropology and migration experiences00:03:42 - Julia's work at Seattle Children's Hospital00:04:48 - Transitioning to design research and learning on the job00:07:06 - The value of executive sponsorship in facilitating change00:09:24 - Navigating limitations and communicating research findings00:10:57 - The role of business anthropology in understanding organizational culture00:12:16 - Perspectives on anthropology and design in the medical field00:13:42 - Facilitating change and adoption in a collaborative healthcare environment00:15:29 - Using service design to navigate complexity and solve problems00:18:00 - Incorporating technology into service design in healthcare00:21:00 - Recommended skills for those interested in service design in healthcare00:24:59 - Upcoming events and opportunities for networking in the field00:25:59 - How to get in touch with JuliaRecommended Links
- Julia Wignall on LinkedIn
27 min - Jason Garrison on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Jason Garrison speaks with Matt Artz about his UX journey. The conversation covers Jason's journey from being an educator to becoming a cultural anthropologist and eventually transitioning to UX research. Throughout the episode, Jason emphasizes the importance of empathy, networking, and relationship-building in UX research. Additionally, he provides guidance on pursuing a PhD in anthropology and delves into the role of research operations in UX, discussing strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. Jason also highlights the benefits of embedded ethnography for understanding research team function and growth and offers advice for breaking into research operations.About Jason GarrisonJason Garrison is a seasoned UX Researcher, currently leading projects at AnswerLab, where he utilizes his mastery in mixed-methods to deliver valuable ethnographies and help clients understand their target audiences better. With over five years in the field, his journey has encompassed roles at UX Cabin, Comcast, Rock Central, and Google, each contributing to his unique skill set. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements such as initiating the first user research program for the Rocket Mortgage Mobile app at Rock Central and enhancing internal developer tools at Google. Jason's ability to empathize with users and translate insights into actionable results, combined with his dedication to inclusivity, makes him a valuable asset in the UX industry.Key Moments00:00:00 Introduction to the Anthro to UX podcast00:00:38 Introduction to Jason Garrison00:01:28 Jason's early interest in anthropology00:02:25 Jason's practicum in Malaysia and exposure to applied anthropology00:04:10 Jason's interest in the practical application of anthropology00:05:57 Jason's discovery of UX during the pandemic00:07:08 Jason's transition to UX research00:09:30 The importance of storytelling in UX research00:11:20 The role of empathy in UX research00:06:28 Jason's decision not to pursue a PhD in anthropology00:08:14 Discussion on the value of a PhD for UX research00:10:00 Jason's view on the practical application of anthropology in UX00:11:37 Addressing the criticism of anthropology being watered down in UX00:12:47 Importance of anthropology in understanding business and value proposition00:13:51 Research operations contributes to good anthropology00:15:38 Research operations enables researchers to be great storytellers00:16:58 Research operations facilitates great tools for ongoing research00:18:28 Importance of intake process and repository in research00:18:56 Research operations socializes what the UX research team does and inspires towards what could be done in the future00:19:17 Additional skills for research operations: learning how to speak the language of business, understanding KPIs, and being able to anticipate and intuit what's valuable for a product team00:23:13 Embedded ethnography is a great way to provide outside feedback on how a research team can grow and where it needs more resources00:24:33 Encouragement for those interested in research operations to talk to people in strategy and product partners to understand the relationship between research and design00:26:15 Jason Garrison's contact informationRecommended Links
- Jason Garrison's Personal Website
- Jason Garrison on LinkedIn
31 min - Sarah Elizabeth Yoho on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Sarah Elizabeth Yoho speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. The conversation covers Sarah's journey from law to medical anthropology, her transition into UX research during the pandemic, and the importance of translating anthropological experiences into the job application process. Sarah also discusses the concept of impact in research, the role of operations in policy implementation, and the significance of strategy in linking company goals to research and data points. Additionally, she highlights the potential for UX research in financial services.About Sarah Elizabeth YohoSarah Elizabeth Yoho is a Senior UX Researcher with a focus on strategy, policy and operations, and a specialization in ethnographic research. She has successfully planned, facilitated, and delivered diverse projects with a variety of clients in various sectors, including banks, NGOs, nonprofits, peak bodies, consultancies, and lobbyists. Her professional skillset features an international profile, including work at the Australian Medical Council (Policy Strategy & Compliance), the European Commission (Policy Research) & Macquarie University (Program Development).At AnswerLab, Sarah Elizabeth works in the Financial Services Team where she leverages her policy strategy background and ethnographic expertise to lead strategic UX Research projects, facilitate workshops, and foster client relationships. She holds a Masters in Medical Anthropology & Public Health (MCHaM) from the Australian National University and a Marie Skłodowska Curie PhD in Medical & Environmental Anthropology from the University of Leeds.Recommended Links
- Sarah Elizabeth Yoho's website
- Sarah Elizabeth Yoho on Linkedin
- Ask a Manager
- Business Anthropology by Ann Jordan
- The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
- The So Money Podcast with Farnoosh Torabi
- I Will Teach You to be Rich
28 min - Joseph Galanek on Anthro to UX with Matt ArtzIn this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Joseph Galanek speaks with Matt Artz about his UX journey. The conversation covers Joe's journey from being inspired by cultural experiences when traveling to pursuing degrees in anthropology and public health. He shares his challenges in finding a job in anthropology departments due to specific research interests and how he discovered opportunities in consulting agencies that value qualitative and quantitative research. The discussion also explores Joe's work leading client engagements as a UX Strategy Manager at Answerlab and his experience mentoring anthropologists transitioning into business.About Joseph GalanekJoseph Galanek is an accomplished user experience researcher and UXR strategist with over 15 years of experience in academia and industry. As the UX Strategy Manager at AnswerLab, he collaborates with ecommerce leaders, designing and implementing customized research that meets partners' objectives and business goals. Joseph's expertise includes qualitative and mixed methods research, scoping, and client engagement.With a strong academic background, including a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and an MPH from Case Western Reserve University, Joseph has held research roles at various organizations such as HireWisdom, EDUCAUSE, and ICF. He has contributed to impactful projects, including CDC health campaigns and national HIV prevention initiatives, and is known for balancing methodological rigor with pragmatic strategies.Key Moments00:02:00 - Reflections on a Career in Anthropology00:06:36 - Exploring Career Opportunities in Research Consultancies00:08:12 - Applying Qualitative Research Skills in an Applied Environment00:14:17 - Collaborative Efforts and Demonstrating Value in Anthropology Research00:16:00 - Moving from Academia to Business: Advice for Anthropologists00:19:41 - Making a Good First Impression on LinkedIn00:21:19 - Analysis of Research Objectives and Actionable Recommendations for Development Teams00:22:48 -Exploring Trends in Cost-Effective UX ResearchRecommended Links
- Joseph Galanek on LinkedIn
- Joseph Galanek on Google Scholar
28 min
About Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
From the publisher's feed
The Anthro to UX podcast is for anthropologists looking to break into user experience (UX) research. Through conversations with leading anthropologists working in UX, you will learn firsthand how…
others made the transition, what they learned along the way, and what they would do differently. We will also discuss what it means to do UX research from a practical perspective and what you need to do to prepare a resume and portfolio. It is hosted by Matt Artz (https://mattartz.me), a business anthropologist specializing in design anthropology and working at the intersection of product management, user experience, and business strategy. To learn more about the Anthro to UX podcast and career coaching services, please visit the website (https://anthropologytoux.com).