Building UX Research Capacity and Knowledge for a growing UX team
Client: GoodHabitz | Year: 2023
Context
GoodHabitz, a Dutch EdTech scale-up, empowers organizations by providing e-learning solutions to enhance employee skills and confidence. As a rapidly growing company, they recognized the importance of understanding their users' needs and strengthening their UX research capacity. With a forming UX team comprising designers and researchers, they sought to establish a robust foundation in user-centered research. During my engagement with GoodHabitz, I collaborated closely with their Director of UX to drive UX research initiatives and empower the growing UX team.
Goals
The project's primary objectives were to conduct UX research studies that enhance GoodHabitz's understanding of their users and to build the research capacity of their UX team.
Multi-Country UX Research Study
A pivotal initiative involved conducting a multi-country UX research study to glean insights from HR professionals in prospect countries. Leveraging moderated interviews, we engaged 26 participants across 6 countries. Additionally, a local UX research agency conducted 6 interviews in the local language to ensure cultural nuances were captured. While the specific insights remain confidential, the study contributed to gaining confidence in identifying potential markets for expansion.
A pivotal initiative involved conducting a multi-country UX research study to glean insights from HR professionals in prospect countries. Leveraging moderated interviews, we engaged 26 participants across 6 countries. Additionally, a local UX research agency conducted 6 interviews in the local language to ensure cultural nuances were captured. While the specific insights remain confidential, the study contributed to gaining confidence in identifying potential markets for expansion.
Supporting UX Team Growth
To integrate research practices into the UX team's workflow, I oversaw and supported the junior UX researchers in conducting user interviews. Collaboratively, we planned, recruited, and moderated numerous interviews using UserTesting. The team harnessed tools like Miro for data analysis and collaboration, while a shared Google Doc dashboard facilitated seamless communication, displaying study elements such as team members, actions, key results, and study links.
To integrate research practices into the UX team's workflow, I oversaw and supported the junior UX researchers in conducting user interviews. Collaboratively, we planned, recruited, and moderated numerous interviews using UserTesting. The team harnessed tools like Miro for data analysis and collaboration, while a shared Google Doc dashboard facilitated seamless communication, displaying study elements such as team members, actions, key results, and study links.
Outcome
My collaboration with GoodHabitz yielded substantial outcomes that enriched both their understanding of users and the organization's UX research capabilities. The multi-country study illuminated potential expansion opportunities, equipping the organization with strategic insights. Moreover, the extensive user interviews and collaborative research practices empowered the UX team to integrate research seamlessly into their design process. The shared dashboard streamlined communication and ensured everyone remained aligned on study progress. As a result, GoodHabitz further solidified its commitment to user-centricity and continued growth.
My collaboration with GoodHabitz yielded substantial outcomes that enriched both their understanding of users and the organization's UX research capabilities. The multi-country study illuminated potential expansion opportunities, equipping the organization with strategic insights. Moreover, the extensive user interviews and collaborative research practices empowered the UX team to integrate research seamlessly into their design process. The shared dashboard streamlined communication and ensured everyone remained aligned on study progress. As a result, GoodHabitz further solidified its commitment to user-centricity and continued growth.
Testimonial
"Ben is one of my go-to people when it comes to UX Research work because he always aims to solve the real problem. He brings a fresh perspective to our projects by incorporating social science frameworks into his methodologies, which impresses me because his insights are always unique and I've learned new things working with him. I think his ability to communicate complexity sets him apart in a world where user research findings can become stale and mundane.
He is a great collaborator and dives right into working with my core team. He actively seeks feedback and goes the extra mile to ensure project success. With a solid foundation in research methods and the ability to bridge language barriers (for one project he helped us to get closer to a French speaking user group), Ben has allowed us to tap into diverse perspectives.
As a freelancer lending a hand, he has a warm team spirit and is a valuable asset to any group of researchers. I've requested his help specifically in the past and hope to see him again on future projects."
- Andrea Lewis, UX Director
