Insights Unlocked

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/4txxcx83 ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we explore how marketing, UX, and customer experience teams can collaborate to craft impactful, data-driven strategies. Our guests—Emily Carrion, CMO at Entrepreneurs'​ Organization; Katie Karr, a Senior User Experience Designer at Workiva; and Kristy Morrison, Director of Digital Marketing at F5,—share insights on cutting through digital noise, optimizing messaging, and leveraging user testing to create seamless experiences that drive business success. What you’ll learn in this episode: The marketing challenge – Why understanding customer needs remains the foundation of great marketing, even as digital channels become increasingly noisy​. UX as a marketing advantage – How UX research and design play a critical role in communicating value to potential customers, especially since 80% of SaaS buyers research before speaking with sales​. The role of testing – How teams can use customer insights, A/B testing, and analytics (quant + qual) to optimize messaging, improve conversions, and enhance brand clarity​. Cross-team collaboration – Why breaking down silos between marketing, UX, product, and content teams leads to better customer experiences and stronger business impact​. Key Quotes from Our Guests: 💡 “There are some things in marketing that never change. Our job is to deeply understand our customer and connect their needs with our product’s value.” – Emily Carrion​ 💡 “Every good experience you create is part of your brand—so is every bad experience.” – Kristy Morrison​ 💡 “UX isn’t just a product function anymore. It’s critical in marketing to ensure we’re communicating the right message upfront.” – Katie Karr​ Episode links:  Emily Carrion on Linkedin Kristy Morrison on Linkedin Katie Karr on Linkedin Blog post: 31 Expert Opinions on the Importance of UX in Marketing

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/ywpva5x5 ----------------------- In this Insights Unlocked episode, host Michael Domanic sits down with Jack Mitchell, Head of Product and Operations at Zigzag, the #1 puppy training app. Jack shares how his team built Ziggy, an AI-powered virtual puppy trainer designed to provide personalized, science-backed training advice at scale. Jack explains that scalability was a major challenge for the certified B-Corp startup. Originally, Zigzag provided WhatsApp chat support with real dog trainers, but as the company grew, this wasn’t sustainable. They needed a way to offer science-backed, consistent training advice while still maintaining the personal touch that users valued​. Additionally, user behavior played a key role in the decision to develop an AI-powered chat. Zigzag found many customers hesitated to ask simple questions because they didn’t want to bother a human trainer—even though they were paying for the service. AI eliminated this friction by making users feel more comfortable asking quick, everyday training questions​. Zigzag is continuously refining Ziggy’s AI model based on user feedback, with a 96% positive rating of the feature. "Trust is key," Jack said. "Users need to know they’re getting the right advice—every time." Looking ahead, Jack said they aim to expand Ziggy’s capabilities and explore how AI can further improve the pet training experience. "The goal is to keep making the AI better, smarter, and more useful for puppy parents everywhere," he said. Key Takeaways: 🐶 AI as a training tool – How Zigzag built Ziggy to provide AI-driven, real-time puppy training advice. 📈 From concept to execution – The strategic and technical hurdles in implementing AI, from user feedback to content validation. 🔄 Engagement & retention – How and why AI chat features have increased user interactions and overall app retention rates. 🎯 Measuring AI’s business impact – The importance of A/B testing, user feedback, and ROI tracking to validate AI investments. 🚀 AI Beyond the product – How small teams like Zigzag use AI to streamline internal workflows and accelerate product development. Episode links:  🐾 Try ZigZag: Download the app (if applicable) 💬 Connect with Jack Mitchell on LinkedIn: Find him on LinkedIn 🏁 A comprehensive guide to A/B testing: A comprehensive guide on conducting effective A/B tests to enhance user experience and conversion rates.

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/2p9rbkfu ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this week’s Insights Unlocked, we look back at three past episodes discussing the importance of smart content—that strategically crafted, user-focused content that adapts to audience needs, enhances customer experience, and drives engagement through clarity and relevance. Industry experts Bobbie Wood, Natalie Dunbar, and Kelly Erickson share insights on the impact of well-crafted content, the power of user testing, and the evolving role of AI in UX writing. Whether you’re in marketing, CX, or UX, you’ll gain valuable takeaways on how content strategy can elevate your brand and improve the way customers interact with your products and services. Key Topics & Takeaways: 1. The Power of Content in Customer Experience Successful companies prioritize clear, user-friendly content to drive engagement and loyalty. Content strategy isn’t just about writing—it’s about delivering the right message at the right time in the right format. Microcopy, such as button text and CTAs, can make or break user engagement. 2. The Importance of Content Testing & User Research A/B testing and usability studies are essential to understand how users interact with content. Testing must go beyond isolated elements—content should be evaluated across the entire user journey to ensure consistency. Observing user reactions, especially when they stop interacting, can reveal pain points that need to be addressed. 3. Balancing Brand Consistency with Personalization A strong brand voice ensures content remains consistent across channels while still adapting to different user needs. Marketers and UX teams should define voice and tone guidelines that allow flexibility for various contexts. The right balance between structured brand messaging and personalized user interactions enhances engagement. 4. AI’s Growing Role in Content Creation AI tools can assist with content creation, but they lack the human empathy, nuance, and contextual understanding needed for great UX writing. The future of AI in UX writing is still evolving, and ethical concerns around AI-generated content must be considered. While AI can optimize workflows, human oversight remains crucial in crafting meaningful and relatable content. 5. Why Content Strategy Should Start Early in Projects Content strategists should be involved from the very beginning of product and experience design. Early collaboration ensures content aligns with user expectations, business goals, and overall design strategy. Mapping out content needs before development reduces the risk of last-minute changes and improves efficiency. Featured Guests: 🔹 Bobbie Wood on LinkedIn 🔹 Natalie Dunbar on LinkedIn 🔹 Kelly Erickson on LinkedIn

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/4rymcmrs ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In today’s crowded digital world, standing out on LinkedIn is more challenging than ever. With users scrolling through 300 feet of content daily and 1.5 million pieces of content being engaged with every minute, how can marketers cut through the noise? In this episode, Nathan Isaacs sits down with Purna Virji, a LinkedIn marketing expert and author of High Impact Content Marketing, to discuss proven strategies for LinkedIn success. From blending organic and paid content to leveraging thought leadership and short-form video, Purna shares valuable insights on building engagement, trust, and brand loyalty on one of the world’s most powerful professional platforms. Key Takeaways: 🔥 Why Consistency Matters: A common mistake brands make is only showing up when they have a big launch. Purna emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement—whether through organic posts, paid ads, or a mix of both. 🌱 Paid vs. Organic: Why You Need Both: LinkedIn research shows that users exposed to both organic and paid content are 61% more likely to convert than those who only see paid ads. Organic content nurtures your existing audience, while paid ads help you reach new ones. 📊 Testing and Learning: Your LinkedIn page isn’t just a broadcasting tool—it’s a dynamic testing ground. Brands should experiment with different types of content organically before investing ad dollars to boost their top-performing posts. 🎥 The Rise of Short-Form Video: Video consumption continues to surge, with LinkedIn seeing a 34% increase in video uploads year over year. Purna recommends embracing short, engaging videos to build trust and humanize your brand. 💡 Leveraging Thought Leadership: People follow people before they follow brands. Thought leader ads allow companies to boost employee and executive content, making it a powerful tool for credibility and reach. 📣 Beyond Vanity Metrics: It’s not just about likes and shares—success on LinkedIn should be measured by pipeline impact, engagement quality, and long-term brand trust. Episode Links: 📖 Purna Virji’s book: High Impact Content Marketing  💡 Follow Purna on LinkedIn: Purna Virji 📊 LinkedIn for Marketing: LinkedIn Business Page 🎧 More episodes of Insights Unlocked: UserTesting Podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3CBgLhw ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Jason Giles sits down with Alastair Simpson, VP of Design at Dropbox, to discuss his non-traditional career journey, scaling design teams, and the evolution of remote work. Alastair shares key insights on fostering a strong design culture, navigating hypergrowth environments, and leveraging AI to enhance UX research. Tune in to learn how Dropbox’s Virtual-First model is redefining collaboration, why outcomes matter more than process adherence, and how AI is reshaping design workflows. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🎨 Alastair’s Unconventional Path to Design Leadership How he transitioned from aspiring professional footballer to UX design leader. The role of consumer psychology in his design approach. How early career experiences—like working in a call center—helped him develop core design skills such as listening, communication, and problem-solving. 🏗️ Scaling Design Teams in High-Growth Companies Lessons from leading design at Atlassian and Dropbox during rapid expansion. Why effectiveness matters more than efficiency when managing creative teams. The importance of regular critique and how Dropbox ensures continuous feedback. 🌍 Virtual-First Work & Remote Collaboration How Dropbox designed and implemented its Virtual-First model (90% remote, 10% in-person). The concept of "core collaboration hours" and why nonlinear workdays boost productivity. The impact of remote work on trust, culture, and cross-functional collaboration. 🤖 AI’s Role in UX and Research How Dropbox is using AI-powered agents to improve access to past research. AI’s role in summarizing usability studies and enhancing design iteration speed. The balance between automation and human judgment in crafting great experiences. Key Takeaways & Quotes 💡 “Design is about building strong foundations—color, typography, layout, and interaction design. AI can enhance our workflows, but it doesn’t replace good fundamentals.” – Alastair Simpson 💡 “We don’t focus on efficiency for efficiency’s sake. Instead, we prioritize outcomes and impact.” 💡 “Virtual work doesn’t mean no in-person connection—it means intentional gatherings that matter.” Resources & Links 📌 Connect with Alastair Simpson on LinkedIn 📌 Learn more about Dropbox Design: Dropbox.Design 📌 Explore UserTesting: UserTesting.com

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3EGU4ZD ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Brent Leary sits down with Melissa Garber, Senior User Experience Researcher at Consumer Reports, to explore the evolving role of AI in UX research and how it’s shaping consumer interactions. From developing an in-house conversational AI agent to tackling data privacy concerns, Melissa shares insights on how research can proactively shape AI tools rather than just react to them. She also dives into the challenges of AI adoption, maintaining brand trust, and how understanding consumer journeys is more complex than ever. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How AI is being leveraged at Consumer Reports to enhance consumer insights and decision-making ✅ The importance of human-in-the-loop AI systems to prevent misinformation ✅ Why UX research should drive AI development—not the other way around ✅ Challenges in adopting AI within research teams and overcoming skepticism ✅ The evolving consumer journey and how AI can assist in predicting user needs 🎯 Who Should Listen? This episode is perfect for UX researchers, product leaders, marketers, and CX professionals who are interested in the intersection of AI and user experience, and how AI-powered insights can drive better customer interactions.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4aP37nC ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Michelle Engle sits down with Andy O’Dower, Twilio’s VP of Product Management, to dive into the company’s game-changing approach to customer communication. From simplifying complex communication systems for developers to using AI to deliver personalized experiences, Twilio is leading the way in reshaping how businesses engage with their customers. Andy shares how Twilio’s platform enables real-time, omnichannel communication at a massive global scale, helping brands create trusted, seamless, and smart interactions. He also sheds light on how advancements in conversational AI, sentiment analysis, and voice intelligence are revolutionizing customer engagement and support. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Twilio empowers developers with simple APIs to integrate voice, video, email, and messaging capabilities. How AI tools like transcription, sentiment analysis, and virtual agents are redefining customer experiences. Why trust and privacy are essential in building AI-driven communication systems. The role of autonomous agents in creating personalized, frictionless interactions with customers. Twilio’s vision for the future of customer engagement, with AI and data at its core.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4h5CI79 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this special episode, recorded live at The Human Insights Summit in October, Amy Stillman, VP of Design at Cedar, and Logan Hartline, Senior Director of UX at HCA Healthcare, talk with host Lija Hogan from UserTesting about how healthcare leaders use storytelling and AI to improve UX, align stakeholders, and transform patient experiences. The episode focused on innovation and user experience (UX) in healthcare, emphasizing collaboration, insights, and the integration of AI. Key Themes: Collaboration and Success Stories: Amy shared Cedar’s efforts in creating tools to help patients identify Medicaid eligibility, simplifying a typically cumbersome process. The project highlighted the emotional and psychological barriers users face and how digital solutions can foster a more accessible and empathetic experience. Logan discussed a UX project improving emergency department operations. By shadowing staff and observing real-life workflows, the team uncovered critical design insights about the conflicting color codes across different systems, leading to improved coordination. AI and Innovation: Both leaders highlighted AI's role in their organizations. Logan described how predictive analytics are helping anticipate staffing needs in labor and delivery, balancing efficiency with human oversight. Amy discussed leveraging AI in call centers to improve data accuracy and reduce staff workload. By analyzing tone and call content, they enhanced both operational efficiency and patient satisfaction while maintaining sensitivity to user tolerance for AI interactions. The Power of Insights and Storytelling: Both speakers emphasized the importance of qualitative research and storytelling in aligning stakeholders and driving change. Using patient narratives and highlight reels, they built urgency and alignment among decision-makers, demonstrating the tangible impact of UX insights. Advice for UX Practitioners: Logan advised starting small with curiosity-driven research and democratizing UX practices within teams. Amy stressed the importance of aligning UX goals with measurable metrics that resonate with stakeholders, particularly in healthcare’s data-driven environment.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/40y13N5 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this special episode, recorded live from THiS 2024, we explore the biggest challenges women face in today’s workplace and the actionable steps needed to drive change. Our panel of inspiring women leaders dives into the persistent gender pay gap, the lack of leadership representation, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and achieving a sustainable work-family balance. From tips on negotiating salaries to navigating career growth with intentionality, this conversation offers practical advice and powerful insights for women looking to thrive in tech—and for organizations striving to create more equitable workplaces. Whether you're a leader, mentor, or someone starting your career, this episode provides valuable takeaways to help you advocate for yourself, build meaningful connections, and craft the career you want. Panelists included: Stacy Sherman, author and advisor, Doing CX Right Alita Joyce, UX Researcher at Google Cloud  Monique Lalonde, Director, Product Design at REI Lija Hogan, Principal, Experience Research Strategy at UserTesting What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to address the gender pay gap with practical negotiation strategies and pay equity policies. Why leadership representation matters and how to position yourself for growth. The critical role of mentorship and how to build relationships that empower your career. How to balance career and family with the right support systems and mindset. The power of asking for opportunities, setting goals, and creating your own communities for support. Key Topics Discussed Gender Pay Gap Women earn 84% of what men earn—how can we close this gap? Negotiation tips and strategies for pay equity. Leadership Representation How to find companies that prioritize women in leadership roles. Practical advice for setting and communicating leadership goals. Mentorship and Sponsorship The difference between mentors and sponsors—and why both matter. Proactive steps to find mentors and build supportive professional networks. Work-Family Balance Why it’s not about choosing “either-or”—you can thrive in both work and family life. Insights into planning and creating a sustainable support system.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4gFlEVz ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Episode Summary: In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs chats with Kuldeep Kelkar, partner at UXReactor, seasoned UX researcher, and author of Strengthen Your User Research Superpowers. Kuldeep shares his journey through 25+ years in user research, his experiences shaping the industry, and how his new book is designed to empower researchers to amplify their influence within organizations. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The evolution of user research from a niche function to a critical part of product development. Key challenges faced by UX researchers, including gaining influence, communicating value, and driving business impact. How Kuldeep’s book provides practical, actionable skills in the form of "superpowers" to help researchers navigate these challenges. Why addressing sample size questions can be an opportunity to educate and build credibility. Highlights: Kuldeep’s Career Journey: From being one of the first researchers at PayPal in 2004 to his leadership role at UX Reactor. About the Book: Kuldeep’s book is structured like a deck of 52 cards, each focused on strengthening specific "superpowers" researchers need to succeed. Favorite Superpower: Learn why "sample size" is a topic Kuldeep now approaches with confidence and excitement. AI in UX Research: Insights into how AI tools like ChatGPT are being integrated into research and design processes, and the current limitations of AI-driven efficiencies. Industry Trends: Discover how budget constraints and resource cuts are influencing organizations’ approaches to UX and the growing demand for outsourced expertise. Customer Feedback in Action: A surprising story of how Kuldeep’s advice helped a client rethink usability testing timelines. Rapid-Fire Fun: Kuldeep shares his favorite word ("research"), a dream career (astrophysicist), and what role he’d take in a restaurant (chef—despite not cooking!). Memorable Quote: "The biggest challenge for researchers isn’t conducting research—it’s gaining influence and driving outcomes within their organizations." – Kuldeep Kelkar

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4gFlEVz ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode, Michael Dominic, Head of AI at UserTesting, and Mike Mace, a seasoned tech industry veteran, delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. From the evolution of AI to strategies for effective implementation, they explore how organizations can harness this powerful technology to drive productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: The Two Waves of AI Hype: Explore the rise and fall of conversational AI tools during the first hype cycle (2015–2019). Learn how OpenAI's ChatGPT launched the second wave of rapid adoption in 2022. AI Adoption at a Glance: 66% of knowledge workers globally use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, making this the fastest adoption of a major tech product in history. Despite high adoption rates, only 20% of users maximize AI's potential as a daily productivity tool. Challenges in AI Integration: A significant gap in training leaves most users underutilizing AI. Companies must implement deliberate training and governance to reap the full benefits. Humanizing AI Interactions: Discover how users judge AI chatbots like they would human interactions—emphasizing tone, phrasing, and emotional resonance. Understand the importance of aligning AI interactions with brand voice and values. Strategies for Success: Choose the right AI model for your business needs. Set clear data governance policies to ensure security and compliance. Establish training programs to help employees integrate AI into their workflows effectively. Treat AI as a partner in strategy, not just a task-oriented tool. Actionable Insights: For Leaders: Empower your teams with AI training and clear guidelines to unlock its full productivity potential. For Product Teams: Test AI features for usability and emotional resonance to ensure they align with user expectations and your brand identity. For Organizations: View AI as an opportunity for competitive differentiation, not just a security challenge.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/408ltw2 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs talks with Mike McDowell, Senior Solutions Consultant at UserTesting, about his role, his new book Demotainment: The Art of Delivering Demos That Engage, Inspire, and Drive Results, and his approach to crafting compelling product demonstrations. Key Highlights: Role at UserTesting: Mike describes his role as a platform expert, guiding clients on effectively utilizing UserTesting’s tools. He supports sales processes and helps teams maximize value by aligning the platform with their business goals​. The Concept of Demotainment: Mike explains how his background in theater inspired him to transform product demonstrations into performances that captivate audiences. His philosophy emphasizes bringing energy, personalizing demos, and engaging customers​. Writing the Book: The book stemmed from a popular presentation Mike gave at Demo Fest. Encouraged by the reception, he expanded his ideas into a LinkedIn article and eventually a book. He shares the iterative writing process, from drafting chapters based on his presentation to weaving in anecdotes and pop culture references to make the book lively and relatable​. Impact on Sales Teams: The book aims to help sales professionals make their demonstrations more personalized and engaging, ultimately boosting success rates. Mike offers strategies for tailoring demos even with limited preparation​. Behind-the-Scenes of Writing: Mike talks about the discipline and creativity required to write a book while managing a busy schedule. He reveals how revisiting his material and getting reader feedback improved both his writing and professional approach to demos​.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3VNnj2G ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Kerry Johnstone welcomes Veronica Bogdacenco, Channel and Optimization Manager at Tide, a leading UK-based fintech company. Veronica shares her expertise in blending marketing insights with UX strategies to create seamless and effective user experiences. She delves into the challenges of maintaining agility in a fast-growing company, creative approaches to user testing, and how AI is reshaping UX research. From her innovative weekend testing methods to leveraging in-app notifications for user feedback, Veronica provides actionable tips for product teams navigating growth and tight deadlines. She also highlights the importance of quick, iterative research to de-risk decisions and ensure clarity in regulated industries like finance. Whether you're a UX researcher, product manager, or designer, this episode is packed with practical advice for building user-centric products efficiently. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Blending Marketing and UX: How to use qualitative and quantitative data for deeper customer insights. Maintaining Agility in a Growing Organization: Veronica’s methods for decentralizing UX research and streamlining processes. Innovative Testing Techniques: The power of weekend tests, external testers, and in-app notifications to gather feedback without disrupting workflows. AI in UX Research: How AI can enhance UX processes by automating tasks like feedback summaries and detecting emotional responses. Working in Regulated Industries: Key considerations for ensuring clarity and transparency in customer-facing designs. Scaling UX Practices: Strategies to embed UX testing into workflows as teams and product portfolios expand.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3OQ2f80 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Blair Fraser sits down with Dr. Sam Howard, Head of UX at Curio, to explore how AI is transforming the way people consume news. From Sam’s unique career journey—from academia to consulting to leading UX at a forward-thinking company—to Curio's mission of fixing fragmented and overwhelming news experiences, this conversation dives into the heart of user-centric design and AI innovation. Discover how Curio balances cutting-edge AI with trusted sources to deliver meaningful solutions, the challenges of creating archetypes in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and why robust discovery research is more critical than ever. If you’re a UX researcher, designer, or product leader navigating the intersection of user experience and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. Key Themes & Highlights: The Power of User-Centered Design: Why embedding user insights at the start of product design leads to better outcomes. Sam’s approach to understanding and addressing user frustrations with traditional news platforms. AI in UX Research: How Curio blends AI personalization with reliable sources to maintain trust. The "Many Wizards of Oz" method: A groundbreaking approach to simulating AI experiences in user research. Tackling Behavioral Archetypes: Why Curio focuses on early adopters and behavioral archetypes instead of rigid personas. Addressing news avoidance and user anxiety through design thinking. Driving Impact in Organizations: How to align qualitative user research with quantitative data to influence stakeholders. Using video storytelling as a tool for fostering empathy and buy-in from business leaders. Future of UX and AI: The need to evolve UX methodologies for non-linear, AI-driven user journeys. Balancing transparency and value when communicating AI’s role to end users.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3Vlc2q8 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Episode show notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Lija Hogan speaks with Kate Towsey, a leading voice in research operations, author of Research That Scales, and founder of the Cha-Cha Club for research ops professionals. Kate takes us through her fascinating journey to becoming a trailblazer in research operations. Along the way, she highlights the transformative power of systems thinking and strategic scaling in the evolving field of research. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Evolution of Research Ops: How research operations has grown from an overlooked role to a critical component of organizational strategy. Why nuanced job descriptions and specialized roles are becoming the norm in research ops. Scaling Research with Systems Thinking: The importance of scalable systems that create value efficiently rather than simply expanding headcount. How strategic thinking can prioritize impactful research aligned with organizational goals. Building Trust and Embedding Culture: Why trust is foundational for research outcomes to be accepted and acted upon. The cultural impact of well-integrated research tools and practices on organizational learning. Knowledge Management in Research: The contrast between collaborative "campfires" of learning and structured libraries for long-term access and utility. Practical advice for implementing effective research knowledge management strategies. The Role of AI in Research: How AI can enhance research operations, provided organizations foster trust in these technologies.

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes Join host Mike McDowell as he welcomes Ludwig Fichte, Staff User Researcher, and Aarjav Pandya, Senior Product Designer, both from Mozilla, to explore the fascinating world of UX research and its impact on product design. In this episode, they break down Mozilla’s approach to user research and benchmarking studies, revealing how insights drive innovation for Firefox Mobile and beyond. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How UX Research Shapes Product Design: Discover the critical role research plays in creating intuitive, user-friendly designs and how Mozilla translates insights into action. Benchmarking in Action: Learn how Mozilla compares Firefox to competitors like Chrome, Safari, and Brave, and how task-based benchmarking reveals areas for improvement. Designing for Familiarity and Innovation: Hear how Mozilla balances maintaining familiar design patterns with pushing the boundaries of usability. The Iterative Nature of UX: Explore why UX research is never "finished" and how continuous testing helps adapt to evolving user needs. Episode Links: Download Firefox – Experience the latest in browser innovation. Mozilla Blog – Stay updated on Mozilla’s projects and initiatives. Acorn Design System – Dive into Firefox's design approach. Research at Mozilla – Explore Mozilla’s research-focused initiatives. Ludwig Fichte on LinkedIn Aarjav Pandya on LinkedIn Mike McDowell on LinkedIn

In this episode of Insights Unlocked,UserTesting’s Sean Treiser sits down with Neeraj Ramesh, Executive Producer of Giving Experiences at Givelify, a mobile and online platform for charitable donations that has empowered over 1.5 million people to give more than $5 billion to causes they care about. Neeraj shares the story of Givelify’s journey from a simple idea sparked in church to a powerful tool reshaping the future of giving. Together, they explore the strategies and philosophies that make Givelify stand out, from leveraging user feedback to creating features that genuinely connect with the emotional and practical needs of donors. Neeraj discusses how Givelify listens to its users to develop features that foster trust and encourage consistent giving, all while balancing the needs of donors and charitable organizations. Key Themes: The Birth of Givelify: Givelify’s origin story is rooted in a moment of missed opportunity and inspiration, sparking the idea of a platform that would make charitable giving easy and accessible for anyone with a mobile device. User-Centered Design and Trust: Givelify puts donor trust at the forefront, emphasizing data security, transparent processes, and visual cues like familiar faces to help donors feel safe and assured in their giving. Emotional Connection in UX: Givelify’s approach goes beyond technical ease; they aim to create an experience that captures the “warm glow” of giving, ensuring donors feel positive and connected with each gift. Innovation in loyalty programs: Neeraj introduces Champions of Good, the first loyalty program in the giving sector, which rewards donors for consistent giving. The feature encourages engagement based on frequency rather than amount, supporting people’s desire to give at their own pace. Iterative development with user feedback: Givelify uses insights from UserTesting to understand both new and familiar users, continuously refining features to serve donors better. Testing has revealed valuable insights, such as the potential pitfalls of certain features like “Giving Streaks,” which needed careful adjustment to avoid discouraging users. Balancing stakeholder needs: Neeraj emphasizes the importance of prioritizing donors, even as Givelify works with a wide range of stakeholders, from religious organizations to nonprofits. Features are designed to empower donors while keeping the act of giving meaningful and fulfilling.

Episode web page ----------------------- 📢📣 NEW REPORT 📣📢 Are you wondering how people really feel about generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT? How are they being used in business? How are they changing productivity? What makes AI chat attractive or unattractive to users? And what does it all mean for a company building AI features? Check out our new global AI benchmark study, including a survey, a user shootout between the four top AI chatbots, and video of AI users sharing how they feel. The study included Australia and Singapore, so you’ll get results that are specific to our part of the world. Get your copy now >>> Generative AI chatbots: overhyped but still underestimated ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, UserTesting’s Blair Fraser dives into a fascinating discussion with Emma Whitby and Aleks Gojkovic from the BBC's User Experience and Design (UX&D) team. Emma and Aleks share insights from their work on a project designed to help one of the BBC’s most valued audiences—retirees—transition from traditional broadcast services to digital platforms. They reveal how combining empathy-driven UX research with big data insights has led to a deeper understanding of this generation's unique challenges and needs, and discuss the innovative storytelling and design approaches that help build inclusive, accessible digital experiences. Key Themes Discussed: Designing with empathy for retirees in a digital world Emma and Aleks share how they approached researching a user group that has long relied on broadcast services. Through community interactions and storytelling, they uncovered the daily reliance this audience places on TV and radio for structure, connection, and companionship. Emma and Aleks reveal how this research influenced their approach to human-centered design for a traditionally underserved audience. The power of storytelling in UX research UX research at the BBC goes beyond data points—Emma and Aleks highlight the importance of empathy and storytelling to convey user needs. They explain how using narrative alongside data helped them capture the attention of stakeholders and build emotional connections, transforming research findings into actionable insights. Using big data to drive strategic decisions Aleks discusses the role of big data in understanding and validating the significance of retirees as a core BBC audience. By blending quantitative data with qualitative insights, the UX&D team was able to highlight business opportunities and challenge common biases, underscoring how inclusive design can drive both user satisfaction and business success. Innovative collaboration with the BBC’s Blue Room Learn how the UX&D team partnered with the BBC’s Blue Room, a tech demo lab, to bring their insights to life through 3D digital recreations of retirees' living spaces. These interactive exhibits provide stakeholders with a firsthand look at the accessibility challenges retirees face, sparking innovation in designing user-friendly digital services. Shaping the future of inclusive design at scale Emma and Aleks discuss the ongoing impact of their project across the BBC, which has inspired collaboration and changes in product strategies. They share how, by focusing on retirees’ needs, they are challenging assumptions and advancing inclusive design practices that resonate with diverse audiences. Episode Links: BBC’s Global Experience Language (GEL) BBC What is UX&D? BBC UX&D on LinkedIn Aleks Gojkovic on LinkedIn Blair Fraser on LinkedIn

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode, we welcome Sharbani Dhar, a leading voice in customer experience design and founder of dotinfinity. She joins host Louis Granger to discuss the evolving role of design and AI in shaping meaningful customer journeys. With a career rooted in UX leadership, Sharbani brings a strategic, customer-first approach to AI, moving beyond the common “tech-first” mentality that often misses the mark on delivering real business value. Sharbani shares how dotinfinity was founded on the idea that design and research should be central to solving complex customer challenges, not just surface-level enhancements. She highlights the Responsible AI Canvas her team developed, which guides organizations in responsibly adopting AI with a human-centered lens. The conversation covers actionable insights into aligning AI with core business goals, the importance of employee engagement, and why effective AI implementation requires a focus on problem-solving, not just technology. Key themes and ideas: 1. Moving from transactional design to strategic influence Sharbani explains how design and research are often undervalued, perceived as transactional rather than strategic. She advocates for the integration of design as a driver of business outcomes and deeper customer connections. Quote: "It’s not just about making things look good – it’s about creating meaningful experiences that shape customer journeys and drive business results." 2. Responsible AI adoption: human-centric, problem-first AI implementation is more than adopting the latest tech trends; it requires a problem-first approach to identify where AI can genuinely solve challenges and deliver ROI. Sharbani introduces her team's Responsible AI Canvas, a three-step framework that helps organizations assess AI readiness, align technology with KPIs, and execute responsibly. Tip: Align AI initiatives with real organizational goals and assess readiness across people, infrastructure, and governance. 3. Building an AI-empowered workforce AI implementation requires both the right tech and the right people. Sharbani stresses training and workforce alignment, so employees not only support AI initiatives but grow with them. The episode highlights Australian government guidelines that Infinity follows: Responsible AI Training, Data & Governance Training, and Diversity & Fairness Training, each critical to minimizing biases and fostering ethical AI. 4. Effective metrics beyond NPS Sharbani shares her skepticism of Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a metric, noting it often fails to capture real customer satisfaction or journey pain points. Instead, she advocates for metrics that reflect customer engagement, trust, and brand loyalty. Quote: “NPS tells us how likely customers are to recommend a product, but it doesn’t reveal the whole story.” 5. Ecosystem thinking in AI implementation A siloed approach to AI often limits its potential impact. Sharbani advises organizations to adopt ecosystem thinking, which includes partnerships and integration across customer journeys. She shares a compelling example of a Canadian health insurer collaborating with supermarkets to reward healthy customer behaviors through AI. Takeaway: Look for opportunities to integrate AI solutions within a broader ecosystem that aligns with customers’ lives. Episode Links: dotinfinity’s Responsible AI Canvas Sharbani Dhar on LinkedIn dotinfinity website The Casks and Convos podcast

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Steve Portigal, a seasoned user researcher, author, and host of the Dollars to Donuts podcast, to discuss how the field of user research has evolved over the past 20 years. Steve shares his unique perspective on the significant changes that have shaped the industry, from the rise of in-house research teams to the impact of remote work on research methodologies. He also delves into the crucial difference between analysis and synthesis in research and offers practical advice for improving research outcomes. Whether you’re a new researcher or a seasoned expert, Steve’s insights will help you navigate the dynamic and sometimes challenging world of UX research. Key Themes and Ideas: The Growth of User Research: Steve reflects on how user research has grown from a niche, obscure practice to a well-established community of professionals. This growth has led to increased knowledge sharing through conferences, books, meetups, and podcasts, creating a stronger foundation for collective learning and debate. The Shift from Agencies to In-House Research Teams: One of the biggest shifts Steve discusses is the transition from research being outsourced to agencies and consultants to now being managed by in-house teams. While this change has brought research closer to the core of business decisions, it has also altered the dynamics of advocacy and how researchers communicate findings within organizations. The Impact of Remote Work and Research: With the rise of remote work, especially during the pandemic, remote research has become the default method. While this has expanded opportunities for inclusion and collaboration, Steve cautions that the loss of in-person interactions may limit researchers' ability to fully understand user behaviors and experiences. The Importance of Synthesis in Research: Steve emphasizes the often-overlooked distinction between analysis and synthesis in research. While analysis involves breaking down information, synthesis requires recombining that data into new insights and frameworks that can drive innovation. Steve provides tips on how researchers can improve their synthesis process by allowing time for deeper exploration and collaboration. Practical Advice for New Researchers: For those new to the field, Steve encourages embracing the growing community of UX researchers. He suggests seeking mentorship, engaging in networking, and experimenting with different ways of participating in the community, whether through writing, podcasts, or small peer groups. Looking Ahead: The Future of Research-Led Companies: Steve offers a thought-provoking idea about the possibility of research-led companies emerging in the future. He imagines a world where research isn’t just a service within organizations but a driving force behind product and service innovation. Episode Links: Steve Portigal’s Books: Interviewing Users and Doorbells, Danger, and Dead Batteries Dollars to Donuts Podcast Discount Code for Interviewing Users: Use "UNLOCKED" at checkout on Rosenfeld Media for 10% off Steve's Website LinkedIn