In this episode, I sit down with Sudipt, the visionary founder behind Digital of Things and UserQ. From leaving a stable corporate career to building a UX research powerhouse in the Middle East, Sudipt shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the importance of user experience, the cultural nuances of building digital products in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the strategies behind launching two successful ventures.This conversation is packed with actionable insights on building partnerships, conducting effective user research, and creating products that resonate across diverse markets. Whether you're a product manager, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a UX professional, this episode is brimming with valuable lessons.🔗 Learn More About Digital of Things: https://www.digitalofthings.com🔗 Explore UserQ: https://www.userq.com🔗 Connect with Sudipt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sud18/If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful interviews!Timeline:00:00 – Introduction to the Episode00:05 – Sudipt's Corporate Journey and the Leap into Entrepreneurship02:05 – What is Digital of Things and its Core Offerings?04:01 – Key Steps to Localizing a Product in the Middle East06:04 – The Strategic Planning Behind Digital of Things’ Launch09:01 – Building a Partner Network for Business Growth13:06 – The Role of Usability Labs in UX Research19:00 – Real-World Insights from Usability Testing22:31 – Why Invest in a Usability Lab as a Startup?23:42 – Cultural Differences Between UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK26:38 – Common Mistakes Companies Make in User Research30:50 – How to Influence Stakeholders with Research Insights35:02 – The Birth of UserQ: From Service to Product Business39:13 – Key Differentiators of UserQ in the Market42:12 – Ensuring Quality in User Testing Participants44:19 – Building a Passionate and Mission-Driven Team50:47 – The Reality Behind UX Salaries and Market Adjustments54:45 – Why UAE is a Global Hub for UX and Product Talent57:16 – Surviving the Pandemic: Challenges and Lessons Learned1:02:20 – The Hardest Decisions as a Founder1:04:41 – Sudipt’s Passion for Teaching UX in the Region1:07:03 – Key Lessons for B2C Companies About UX1:09:57 – Why Inclusivity in Design Matters1:13:31 – How a Diverse Team Elevates UX Research1:14:26 – How to Work with Digital of Things and UserQ