PHILIP BURGESS

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research shapes how products meet real user needs. Leading a UX research team requires more than technical skills or knowledge of methods. A great UX research leader inspires, guides, and connects teams to deliver insights that truly improve products. This post explores the qualities and practices that define outstanding leadership in UX research. A UX researcher reviewing user feedback on a tablet UX Research Leader

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Managing a UX researcher who is struggling to meet expectations can be challenging. Their role is crucial in shaping user-centered designs, and when performance dips, it affects the entire product team. Addressing this issue requires a clear, thoughtful approach that balances understanding, communication, and accountability. This post offers practical steps to help you navigate this situation effectively. A UX researcher’s cluttered desk

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Starting a UX research team from the ground up can feel overwhelming. You know the value of user insights but may wonder how to assemble the right people, define clear goals, and create processes that deliver meaningful results. This guide breaks down the essential steps to build a UX research team that drives product success and user satisfaction. Workspace with UX research tools and notes Define the Purpose and Scope of Your UX Researc

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Building and guiding a UX research team requires more than just assembling skilled individuals. It demands a clear strategy, a supportive culture, and a focus on delivering meaningful impact. When these elements come together, the team can uncover insights that shape user-centered products and drive business success. A UX researcher reviewing user feedback data on a laptop Defining a Clear Strategy for Leading a UX Research Team A strong

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research is crucial for building products that truly meet user needs. Yet, many UX professionals face a common challenge: stakeholders and product owners who do not see the value in investing time and resources into UX research. This resistance can slow down projects, reduce product quality, and create frustration for UX teams. Understanding how to navigate these situations can help you advocate for UX research effec

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research is essential for creating products that truly meet users’ needs. Yet, many teams struggle to turn research findings into real changes. You might have seen this happen: after weeks of interviews, surveys, or usability tests, the insights sit in a report gathering dust. Why does this happen? And how can you make sure your UX research leads to action? This post explores common reasons UX research findings fail

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research shapes how people interact with products and services. A great UX researcher uncovers real user needs and behaviors, guiding design decisions that improve usability and satisfaction. But what qualities set the best UX researchers apart? This post explores the skills, mindset, and approaches that make a UX researcher truly effective. A UX researcher reviewing user feedback notes on a whiteboard Strong Curiosi

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research plays a crucial role in designing products that truly meet users' needs. Yet, even experienced UX researchers can fall into common traps that reduce the value of their work. These mistakes can lead to misleading conclusions, wasted resources, and missed opportunities to improve user satisfaction. Understanding these pitfalls and learning how to avoid them helps researchers deliver clearer insights and strong

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Being a great manager isn’t just about delivering results—it’s about building the kind of environment where your team can thrive, grow, and feel valued. The best managers are also mentors, guiding their people not only toward business goals but toward personal and professional fulfillment. After years of leading and mentoring teams, here’s what I’ve found matters most: How to be the Best UX Research Manager 1. Put People Before Projects

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader When I think about my role as a leader, one thing always comes to mind: I work for my team, not the other way around.  That mindset is at the heart of servant leadership , and it’s shaped every decision I’ve made in my career. Over the years, I’ve led teams of every size—from one person to fifteen—and in every scenario, my focus has been the same: remove barriers, build trust, and help people grow into their best selves. What Servant Lea

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader After two decades in UX research, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from perfect projects—it comes from the messy, uncomfortable moments that test your assumptions, challenge your confidence, and ultimately sharpen your craft. Every researcher has a few cringe-worthy stories. Decks that didn’t land. Findings that went nowhere. Conversations that could’ve been handled better.Here are the biggest mistakes I’ve made (and what they taug

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader In two decades of UX research, I’ve used every method in the book—interviews, usability testing, surveys, field studies, analytics reviews, card sorts, and more. I’ve worked with cutting-edge tools, followed detailed frameworks, and built structured processes to ensure quality. But here’s the truth: process doesn’t matter if you don’t put people first. I’ve seen brilliant research fall flat because the team didn’t trust the researcher. I