By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today’s fast-moving digital world, UX research isn’t just about running studies and collecting data—it’s about building systems that help organizations make better, evidence-based decisions. For leaders managing large UX research teams, the role expands beyond methods and deliverables. It’s about vision, alignment, and people development . The Role of a UX Research Leader At scale, leadership becomes less about conducting studies your

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today's fast-paced digital world, user experience (UX) design directly impacts the success of products and services. Research is a cornerstone of this process, but it has often been confined to specialized teams. This can create gaps between user insights and the wider product development team. Now, a shift towards democratizing UX research is allowing everyone on the team to have a voice in the research process. This inclusive approa

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In today's fast-paced digital landscape, understanding user experience (UX) is more important than ever. As organizations grow, so does the need for effective UX research. Scaling UX research can seem overwhelming, but with strategic approaches, the benefits are significant. Research can lead to better product design and higher user satisfaction. This post will explore actionable strategies for scaling UX research within your organizatio

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Excellence in UX Research isn’t just about delivering insights. It’s about raising the craft, influencing decisions, and creating a culture where user understanding is a non-negotiable part of how organizations operate. After 20+ years leading research teams, I’ve seen the difference between excellence and mediocrity at every level—individual, leadership, and organizational. And the impact is profound. Excellence at the Researcher Level

By Philp Burgess - UX Research Leader Why this matters: Teams often use these terms interchangeably, which leads to fuzzy goals, mismatched methods, and weak decisions. This guide clarifies the major UX Research Styles , when to use them, and how to explain each to stakeholders. A simple mental model Think in two dimensions across the product lifecycle: Problem space → understand people, contexts, needs, opportunities Solution space → design, test, and measure solutions Life

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader If you’ve ever presented research to executives and felt the energy drain the moment you mentioned usability scores or journey maps, you’re not alone. Many executives care first and foremost about revenue, growth, and risk mitigation . The good news? UX research directly impacts all three—you just need to frame it the right way. 1. Speak the Language of Business, Not Research Executives don’t buy into research because it’s “interesting”

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Stepping into a UX Research leadership role is exciting—and daunting. The first 90 days can set the tone for your credibility, influence, and the impact your team delivers. Here’s a roadmap for making those early months count. The First 90 Days as a UX Research Leader Day 1–30: Listen, Learn, Build Trust Goals: Understand the business context and product strategy. Build relationships with key stakeholders (product, design, engineering, e

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader “The art of leadership is not giving answers, but asking the right questions.”    In UX research, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When leaders shift from issuing directives to posing thoughtful questions, they unlock deeper insight, stronger ownership, and scalable impact. Why Autonomy Matters in UX Research UX researchers thrive when they’re trusted to explore, adapt, and innovate. Autonomy fuels: Methodological rigor : Resear

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Layoffs are among the most difficult challenges any leader will face—especially in a field like UX research, where trust, empathy, and human connection are the cornerstones of the discipline. When researchers are impacted, leaders must balance organizational realities with care for their people. Leading well during these moments can define your leadership legacy. 1. Acknowledge the Human Impact Behind every role is a person with a story,