Here’s my story:

Once upon a time, I had a career in media sales. Some parts of it were a good fit, but others weren’t. I decided to make a change.

I spent about 2 years reflecting on what I’m good (and bad) at, what interests me, and what kind of work I find satisfying. I wrote a mission statement:

I’m seeking a career that will enable me to learn continually (particularly about human behavior), analyze and glean insights from data, communicate data-driven insights via presentations and written reports, and contribute in a meaningful way to the creation of something I can see.

The mission statement was gathering dust for close to a year when I met a UX researcher. It was a perfect fit! It was a no-brainer.

That was a few years ago, and every day I’m thankful that I was able to find my calling and pursue it with reckless abandon.

I can do all the usual UX research stuff*, but here’s what sets me apart:

• Effective communication: Confidently articulating research findings and design recommendations is arguably as important as doing the research. I give concise and interesting presentations, ensuring that user needs will be understood and remembered long after the study closes.
• Savvy client management: I used to be in sales. My ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels helps me gain buy-in for UX and advocate for user-centered design, even when the research results in  inconvenient findings.
• Personality: I laugh boisterously and often. I am sincerely thrilled when my colleagues succeed, and I make friends everywhere I go.

 

*The usual:

Neary all aspects of qualitative usability testing: choosing methodology, writing screeners, writing mod guides, lab set up (for desktop, tablet, or mobile), facilitating sessions (incl 1:1 and focus groups), qualitative analysis, reports, and stakeholder presentations. I’m less experienced with ethnographic research, recruiting, and making highlight videos, but enthusiastic to learn.

Nearly all aspects of quantitative user research: choosing methodology, writing screeners, designing and building studies (UserZoom, SurveyGizmo, Qualtrics, Chalkmark, Optimal Sort, Usertesting, etc.), quantitative analysis with Excel, reports, stakeholder presentations. I’m less experienced with statistical software like SPSS and R, but enthusiastic to learn.

I can do other stuff too, like project planning/management, expert/heuristic reviews, design thinking, GOMS analyses, personas, rich pictures, light wireframing, site maps and information architecture, journey maps, and user stories. I love presenting.