In this episode, we sit down with Bri Keenan, Lead UX Researcher, and Margaret Davey, Senior UX Researcher, from the UKG UX Research & Analytics Team for a candid look at how UX research shows up in the real world—especially at Aspire. We talk about the impact of the Aspire UX Research Room and why its Expo Hall placement boosted visibility but made deeper conversations harder, plus how the team debriefed afterward to evaluate what worked and what didn’t.

Bri and Margaret also break down how UX research spans the full product lifecycle—from early discovery to usability validation to post-release adoption insights—while sharing how frontline realities (financial pressure, scheduling challenges, transportation, childcare) are influencing UKG focus areas. We also touch on how AI is being explored with a practical goal: reducing tedious work and surfacing issues earlier. Finally, they share clear guidance on how customers can participate in UX research through their UKG representative.