In this episode of Finders to Builders, we delve into the hot topic of impact in UX research.

We discuss the reasons behind the request to showcase research impact, ranging from senior management's interest in understanding the value of research to scenarios where the company questions the need for a research department.

We talk about the four types of impact: direct, guidance, knowledge availability, and accumulated knowledge.

Tune in for practical tips on how to effectively showcase the impact of your UX research.

(00:57) Introduction to Impact in UX Research
(01:26) Reasons for Showcasing Research Impact
(03:46) Improving Perception of Research
(04:53) Types of Research Impact
(08:42) Tracking Research Impact
(10:42) Building Relationships for Better Tracking
(12:14) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hey everyone, Julian here. In this episode, I dive into the rapidly changing world of AI.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not an AI expert. But like many of you, I’m trying to make sense of the hype, the reality, and what it all means, especially for researchers.

Throughout the episode, I share my thoughts on why it’s important to stay curious but also skeptical.

01:29 – Introduction
02:08 – Why Talk About AI?
03:41 – The Unpredictable Nature of AI
05:15 – Who to Trust in the AI Space
06:30 – Global Perspectives on AI Development
10:02 – AI in Research: Opportunities and Challenges
12:42 – The Risk of Misusing AI in Research
14:41 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hungry for more? Follow me on Substack

Join me in this episode as I sit down with two amazing guests, Nikki and Chris, to dive into the world of content creation. Nikki is a user researcher and founder with a passion for horror fiction, while Chris runs the creator businesses UX Playbook and Backlog.

We explore their journeys, the importance of creating content, overcoming challenges, and tips for getting started. From the pitfalls of chasing vanity metrics to the positives of finding your authentic voice, we cover it all.

Whether you're considering content creation or looking to improve, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
(02:15) Background and Interests

(05:35) Starting Content Creation: Nikki's Perspective

(06:42) Starting Content Creation: Chris's Perspective

(08:31) Challenges and Rewards of Content Creation 10:15 Inspiration and Tools for Content Creation

(17:33) Writing Tips and Overcoming the Blank Page

(21:26) Benefits of Content Creation for Career Growth

(23:29) Exploring Content Creation on Instagram

(23:52) The Benefits of Creating Content

(24:48) Challenges of Creating Content for Business

(27:14) The Long Game in Content Creation

(29:27) Horror Stories and Challenges

(33:12) Dealing with Plagiarism

(42:34) Tips for New Content Creators

(48:16) Conclusion

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ or find me on ⁠⁠LinkedIn

You can follow Nikki on Linkedin or her User Research Strategist page

You can find Chris on Linkedin at or at UX Playbook

In this episode, we discuss why the traditional 'big reveal' in research presentations is often ineffective and detrimental to the research process. Instead, I advocate for a 'building in public' approach, where insights and updates are shared regularly with the team.

This method ensures alignment, reduces misunderstandings, and increases the likelihood that your insights will be acted upon. I also share practical tips on how to keep stakeholders engaged throughout the research process.

(01:43) Welcome and Personal Anecdote

(02:20) The Big Reveal: Why It's Harmful

(06:30) Alternatives to the Big Reveal

(09:36) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our ⁠newsletter⁠ or find me on ⁠LinkedIn

In this episode of Refunders to Builders, I sit down with two incredible guests, Meltem and Marvin, who are seasoned UX career coaches.

We dive deep into the challenges faced by UX professionals, from feeling stuck in well-paid jobs to navigating career transitions and deciding on the next steps.

We discuss the importance of taking time to learn, understanding one's unique strengths, the role of soft skills, and networking.

Whether you're just starting in UX, considering a shift, or wondering how to stand out in the current job market, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Tune in to understand how to align your career goals with what truly motivates you and how to approach career development in a meaningful and impactful way.

(01:57) Meet Our Guests: Meltem and Marvin

(02:48) Understanding Career Stagnation

(06:46) Advice for Career Transitioners

(09:12) Growing in Your UX Career

(13:19) Finding Direction When Feeling Lost

(17:00) Considering a Step Back from Management

(20:45) The Importance of Soft Skills

(24:52) Navigating the Current UX Job Market

(29:36) The Power of Networking

(33:38) Conclusion and Farewell

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our newsletter or find me on LinkedIn

You can find Meltem on LinkedIn or Substack And you can find Marvin on LinkedIn

In this episode, I discuss how to profile your users for participant recruitment in user research.

By creating a detailed differentiation between your users, you'll learn how to effectively contact and recruit them for your studies.

Using simple tools, I demonstrate a structured method you can use when you arrive as the company's first researcher to categorize and assess your user base, considering factors like response time, recruitment costs, and user roles.(01:17) Intro(02:01) Overview of User Profiling for Recruitment(02:59) Creating a User Differentiation Table(04:35) Detailed Breakdown of User Categories(07:25) Recruitment Strategies and Considerations(11:29) Conclusion and Additional Resources

Hungry for more? Follow our Newsletter!

In this episode, we explore effective stakeholder management strategies for user researchers with Jen Blatz and Amanda Gelb.

We explore the importance of understanding decision-makers' priorities, leveraging social listening, and aligning research objectives from the outset.

Amanda and Jen share their experiences and methodologies, including stakeholder mapping, co-creation, navigating misalignments, and proving research value.

This episode is packed with practical advice for first or solo researchers on prioritization, building relationships, and creating scalable frameworks to demonstrate research impact.(01:46) Intro(03:32) Amanda Gelb's Background and Current Endeavors(04:38) Discussion on Stakeholder Management(05:13) Common Challenges in Managing Stakeholder Expectations(06:59) The Role of Intake Process in Stakeholder Management(09:37) Mapping and Identifying Stakeholders(15:59) Involving Stakeholders Throughout the Research Process(21:58) Balancing Research Involvement(23:13) Building Relationships with Stakeholders(25:52) Handling Executive Requests(29:17) Effective Communication with Developers(32:20) Defending Research Decisions(38:03) Proving the Value of Research(40:27) Key Tips for Solo Researchers(44:22) Conclusion and Farewell

Hungry for more? Follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter at https://finderstobuilders.com/

You can find our guests on:

Jen Blatz's LinkedIn or her YouTube Channel BlatzChatz

Amanda's LinkedIn or her fabulous Maven course

Hello and welcome to Season 2 of From Finders to Builders!

There is a lot of new stuff coming up this season! We will have dual guest interviews, in-depth one-on-one conversations, and, of course, plenty of solo episodes like this one!

This 2025 there's a lot of fearmongering out there. Loads of people writing and claiming "UXR is dead", "AI will eat us alive", "The industry is...." and things of the sort.

Let's not dive into the negative and keep pushing forward. You've got this!

Let's kick start this Season 2 with some positivity!

(00:41) Exciting Plans for 2025

(01:17) New Interview Formats

(01:49) Adopting a Positive Mindset Despite Fear

(05:43) On Current Challenges

(07:58) Final Thoughts

Stay tuned! Subscribe to theFrom Finders to Builders Newsletter.