PHILIP BURGESS

The only constant in the world of UX is change. As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are emerging that will shape the future of UX research. In this post, we'll explore the most significant of these trends and what they mean for UX professionals. Embracing Change in UX Research Change is inevitable in the world of user experience. As we move forward, it's essential to stay informed about the trends that will impact our work. Understanding these trends can help us adap

By Philip Burgess The Power of UX Research: A Guide for 2025 UX Research is the systematic study of users, their behaviors, needs, and motivations to improve product design and usability. It employs various research methods and techniques that gather insights through qualitative, quantitative, or mixed approaches to inform and optimize user experience design throughout product development. Key Aspects of UX Research The main purpose, and power of UX Research, is to understan

When I first encountered affinity mapping, I was struck by its simplicity and power. It’s a method that turns chaos into clarity, helping teams uncover patterns in user data that might otherwise remain hidden. If you’re looking to elevate your UX research and strategy, mastering affinity mapping is a game-changer. It’s not just about organizing notes on a wall; it’s about unlocking insights that drive smarter design decisions and measurable business value. Let’s dive into how

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Finding the balance between business goals, time, and user understanding. 💬 Introduction: The Art of Choosing the Right Method One of the most common questions I hear from teams is, “What’s the right research method for this project?” It’s a fair question — but there’s rarely a single right answer.Choosing the right UX research method is part science, part art. It depends on what you need to know , how quickly you need to know it , and

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader How studying people taught me how to lead them. 💬 Introduction: UX Research Leadership Lessons Hidden in Research Sessions UX Research Leadership didn’t come to me through an MBA program, a management seminar, or a job title. It came through research sessions  — hours of listening, observing, and learning how people think, feel, and behave. Over time, I realized the same principles that make a great UX researcher also make a great leade

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader How humility, listening, and empowerment create stronger research cultures. 💬 Introduction: Leadership That Starts With Service In UX research, leadership isn’t about titles, control, or visibility — it’s about service.The most effective leaders I’ve met weren’t the loudest voices in the room; they were the ones who listened the deepest. Servant leadership shifts the center of gravity from “How can my team serve me?”  to “How can I serv

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader 📧 phil@philipburgess.net  | 🌐 www.philipburgess.net Understanding the Foundation: What Is UX Research Card Sorting? Card sorting has been a cornerstone of UX research and information architecture (IA) for decades. It’s a deceptively simple method—participants group related concepts or “cards” into categories that make sense to them.The outcome?A clearer understanding of how users mentally organize

Stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of UX research. Discover the top 5 trends that will shape the industry in 2025, from AI-powered insights to continuous user feedback.

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader When it comes to building a user experience that truly resonates, the tools we choose can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right UX research platforms can transform raw data into actionable insights. These platforms are not just about collecting information; they are about empowering teams to make smarter, data-driven decisions that elevate the entire product journey. So, what makes a UX research platf

Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Exploring AI + UX Research to shape better human experiences Why Strategy Matters in UX Research UX research is more than usability tests and surveys—it’s a strategic function that shapes how organizations understand customers and make decisions. Without a clear strategy, research risks becoming a series of disconnected projects that struggle to influence product direction. A strong UX research strategy ensures that insights are relevant, t

Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Exploring AI + UX Research to shape better human experiences A New Era for UX Research: The Future of AI and UX Research Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of how we work, design, and interact. For UX research, this shift is especially powerful. Instead of replacing the researcher’s role, AI has the potential to amplify workflows, accelerate synthesis, and unlock new possibilities  for how we understand people. We a

As user expectations accelerate and product cycles compress, UX researchers must evolve beyond traditional study methods to embrace continuous, real-time feedback systems. Here's how to build research practices that keep pace with modern product development.

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader UX Research and AI: Why Cross-Cultural Research Matters As products scale globally, UX research must go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Cultural norms, language, accessibility expectations, and digital behaviors vary dramatically across markets. In the era of AI-powered tools, the challenge — and opportunity — is to adapt research methods to honor cultural context while still benefiting from automation and scale. The Risks of Ignori

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Why UX Research Storytelling Matters in the Age of AI AI is transforming UX research by generating faster insights, surfacing hidden patterns, and analyzing vast datasets. But AI alone cannot bridge the gap between raw findings and strategic decisions. That bridge is storytelling . It’s how researchers translate complex, technical AI outputs into compelling narratives that executives can act on. The Challenge of AI-Generated Insights Ove

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Rethinking Research Participants as UX Research AI Agents Traditionally, UX research relies on recruiting human participants to test products, uncover pain points, and validate assumptions. But with the rise of AI, a new possibility is emerging: AI agents acting as simulated users . While not a replacement for real human feedback, AI-driven participants can stress-test digital journeys, highlight obvious flaws, and accelerate pre-launch

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Why Ethics of AI in UX Research Matters AI is reshaping how we conduct UX research — from automated transcription and sentiment analysis to predictive modeling of user behavior. While these tools bring speed and scale, they also introduce new ethical challenges. UX researchers must ensure that automation doesn’t come at the expense of consent, privacy, or participant trust. Key Ethical Challenges Informed Consent : Are participants fully

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Why ROI Matters More Than Ever In an era where AI is accelerating workflows and budgets are under constant scrutiny, UX researchers are being asked the same question more often: what’s the measurable business impact of our work?  Demonstrating the ROI (Return on Investment) of UX research is no longer optional — it’s essential for securing executive buy-in, scaling research programs, and proving strategic value. Traditional ROI Challenge

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Resumes have barely changed in decades—static documents, bullet points, and PDFs that rarely capture who you are as a professional. They often feel more like checklists than stories, and they rarely give hiring managers, collaborators, or clients a chance to experience who you are in real time. So, I asked myself: What if a resume could talk back? What if it wasn’t just read—but experienced? That’s exactly what I set out to build with my

As user expectations accelerate and product cycles compress, traditional research methods are giving way to continuous feedback loops. Here's how to build a research practice that keeps pace with modern product development.

As users seamlessly move between devices and platforms, UX researchers must evolve their strategies to capture insights across the entire user journey. Here's how to build research frameworks that work in our multi-device world.