How to Hold Effective One-on-One Meetings with UX Researchers
- Philip Burgess
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 26
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
Before anything else, make it clear that one-on-ones are for the researcher, not just for you. These meetings should serve as a safe space for reflection, feedback, and career development. Start by aligning on:
Frequency: Weekly or biweekly is ideal for most teams.
Duration: 30–45 minutes is usually sufficient.
Agenda ownership: Encourage researchers to bring topics, while you bring coaching and guidance.
2. Balance Personal and Professional
UX research is people-centered, and that includes the researchers themselves. A great one-on-one acknowledges the whole person, not just their projects.
Start with a check-in: “How are you doing this week, really?”
Explore workload balance: Look for signs of burnout or overload.
Support personal growth: Discuss career goals, training, and mentorship opportunities.
3. Move Beyond Status Updates
Project status should not dominate one-on-ones. Save tactical updates for team standups or project meetings. Instead, focus on:
Challenges and blockers: What’s standing in their way?
Stakeholder dynamics: How are relationships with product/design partners?
Strategic alignment: Do they see how their work ties into business and user goals?
4. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Open-ended questions spark richer conversations. Examples:
What’s one thing you’d like to change about how we do research?
Where do you feel you’ve grown most this quarter?
How can I better support you as your leader?
Are there skills or methods you’d like to develop this year?
5. Take Action and Follow Up
Nothing erodes trust faster than a leader who listens but never acts. Demonstrate that you value their input by:
Summarizing key takeaways at the end of each meeting.
Following up on action items (yours and theirs).
Checking progress in the next session.
6. Create a Safe and Supportive Atmosphere
Psychological safety is essential. Avoid turning 1:1s into performance reviews. Instead, treat them as coaching conversations that encourage openness and honesty. Celebrate wins, validate struggles, and create a culture of trust.
7. Best Practices at a Glance
Be consistent—don’t cancel unless absolutely necessary.
Come prepared, but let them lead.
Use notes to track growth over time.
End with positivity: highlight strengths and progress.
Final Thoughts
Effective one-on-one meetings are the cornerstone of strong UX Research leadership. They go beyond task management to foster growth, resilience, and collaboration. When done well, they not only strengthen your relationship with individual researchers but also elevate the impact of the entire team.
Philip Burgess | philipburgess.net | phil@philipburgess.net
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