Getting UX Research a Seat at the Table: From Insight to Influence

Philip Burgess
Aug 17
2 min read

Updated: Oct 26

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-Makers

Executives don’t always speak “research.” They speak in outcomes, risks, and ROI. To earn a seat at the table:

Translate insights into business impact: “This usability issue could cost us X in churn.”
Frame findings as strategic guidance, not just observations.
Use metrics that matter—conversion, retention, NPS, time-to-market.

When research speaks the language of strategy, it becomes indispensable.

2. Show Up Early and Often

If you're only invited after the roadmap is set, you're too late. Influence happens upstream.

Embed yourself in planning cycles, not just design reviews.
Offer research as a tool for prioritization, not just validation.
Proactively identify blind spots and assumptions before decisions are made.

Early involvement positions research as a compass, not a rearview mirror.

3. Build Cross-Functional Trust

A seat at the table is earned through relationships. Build trust by:

Delivering consistently and reliably.
Co-creating with product, design, and analytics teams.
Being transparent about limitations and trade-offs.

Trust turns research from a “nice-to-have” into a “must-have.”

4. Package Insights for Influence

Great research deserves great storytelling. To resonate with decision-makers:

Use compelling narratives, not just data dumps.
Highlight user quotes, videos, and visual artifacts.
Tie insights to strategic goals and KPIs.

Think of your deliverables as executive briefings, not academic reports.

5. Advocate for the User, Not Just the Method

Your value isn’t in the method—it’s in the perspective. Be the voice of the user when no one else is.

Challenge assumptions respectfully.
Represent marginalized or overlooked user groups.
Push for inclusive, ethical, and evidence-based decisions.

Your seat at the table is a platform for advocacy.

6. Quantify Your Impact

To sustain influence, you need proof of value. Track and share:

Decisions influenced by research
Time or cost saved through early insights
Improvements in user satisfaction or business metrics

Make your impact visible, measurable, and repeatable.

7. Cultivate Executive Champions

Find leaders who “get it”—and help them evangelize research.

Share tailored insights that support their goals.
Invite them to observe research sessions.
Position them as co-owners of the user experience.

Champions open doors that data alone cannot.

Final Thoughts

Getting UX Research a seat at the table isn’t about ego—it’s about impact. When researchers are embedded in strategy, organizations make smarter, faster, and more human-centered decisions. It takes persistence, storytelling, and strategic alignment—but the payoff is transformative.

UX Research doesn’t just deserve a seat at the table. It belongs at the head of it.

Philip Burgess | philipburgess.net | phil@philipburgess.net