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,

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Meetings can either be a powerful force for alignment and inspiration—or a frustrating time sink. For UX Research leaders, striking the right balance in team meetings is crucial. Done well, they foster connection, sharpen research craft, and align the team with organizational goals. Done poorly, they drain energy and enthusiasm. This post outlines best practices, recommended structures, and guidance on how often to hold UX Research team

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader One-on-one meetings are one of the most powerful tools a UX Research Leader can use to build trust, support growth, and keep a pulse on both team health and project outcomes. Yet, too often, these meetings turn into status updates or routine check-ins rather than meaningful conversations. Here’s how to transform your 1:1s into valuable, intentional sessions that drive both personal and professional growth. 1. Set the Right Foundation Bef

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As someone who’s built and scaled UX research practices across global organizations, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring researchers at every level. One of the most important—and often most misunderstood—conversations is about promotion. If you’re thinking about leveling up, here’s what I want you to know before you ask me for a promotion. This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about demonstrating readiness, strategic impact, and...

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader UX Research has long been the quiet powerhouse behind great products. But too often, researchers find themselves on the sidelines—brought in too late, under-leveraged, or misunderstood. Getting a seat at the table isn’t just about visibility; it’s about influence, timing, and trust. Here’s how UX Research can move from reactive support to strategic leadership. Getting UX Research a Seat at the Table: 1. Speak the Language of Decision-Mak

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Being a small UX research department in a sprawling organization can feel like steering a kayak in a sea of cargo ships. You’re nimble, strategic, and often under the radar—but your impact can be profound. Whether you're a team of one or a lean group of three, your role is critical in shaping user-centered decisions across the enterprise. Here’s how to thrive, influence, and scale your impact—even when your headcount is small. 1. Embrace

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Becoming a UX Research Leader is more than just managing projects and guiding researchers—it’s about inspiring excellence, creating impact, and raising the standard for what research can achieve within an organization.  While meeting expectations keeps the wheels turning, exceeding them builds trust, earns influence, and shapes the future of the discipline. 1. Champion Strategic Alignment To exceed expectations, you must go beyond execut

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As a UX research leader, your role isn’t only to nurture talent—it also includes holding your team accountable  when standards aren’t met. Disciplining researchers can feel uncomfortable, especially in a field centered on empathy and collaboration. However, addressing performance or behavioral issues with fairness and transparency is critical for maintaining a strong research culture. 1. The Importance of Accountability in Research UX re

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Leading a team of UX researchers goes far beyond assigning studies and reviewing reports. It’s about cultivating practice, craftsmanship, and culture —while ensuring meetings are purposeful and productivity thrives. A well-managed UX research team doesn’t just produce insights; it becomes a trusted partner that drives product direction and user-centered innovation. 1. The Role of a UX Research Leader In Managing UX Researchers Managing U

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As UX research teams grow, leaders face an important challenge: how do you measure and demonstrate the value of research without reducing people to vanity metrics?  Tracking researcher performance and team outcomes helps align research with business goals, ensures career growth for researchers, and makes a strong case for continued investment in UX research. Here’s a breakdown of what to track, how to track it, and best practices for doi

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader For non-profits, every dollar and every hour of staff time matters. Unlike corporations that measure ROI (return on investment) through revenue growth and market share, non-profits focus on impact, efficiency, and mission outcomes . Yet UX research—often seen as “nice to have”—can deliver significant ROI by helping organizations better serve their communities, donors, and volunteers. Here’s how non-profits can quantify the ROI of UX rese

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader UX Research has come a long way in just over two decades. In 1999, the internet was still in its early growth phase, mobile devices weren’t mainstream, and many companies were just beginning to explore the concept of “usability.” Fast forward to 2025, and UX Research is a highly specialized, data-driven discipline at the heart of product strategy. Let’s take a journey back to 1999 and compare how UX Research looked then versus today. UX