My UX Research Philosophy
My approach to UX research is deeply personal—rooted in my own experiences with marginalization and a passion for using technology to serve people. With an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction, I blend data-driven insights, storytelling, and human-centered design to create research that empowers marginalized voices and informs inclusive, ethical technology.
Guiding Principles
Respect for Research Participants: Every user is more than just a data point. I prioritize transparency, informed consent, and understanding each participant's lived experience.
Inclusive & Equitable Research: I'm committed to ensuring underrepresented groups are fully included in the research process, influencing product design to benefit all users.
Ethical Considerations in Technology: I focus on how emerging technologies can both empower and potentially harm, promoting responsible development.
Building Context: I start by aligning the research with both user needs and business goals. This involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams—product managers, designers, engineers—to ensure that the research addresses key challenges while delivering value to users. In my AI-driven homelessness prevention project, I worked to ensure the system achieved its objectives and also protected vulnerable populations.
Defining Research Questions: Crafting clear, actionable research questions is key. I work closely with stakeholders to identify what’s most important to learn, whether it’s understanding algorithmic bias on TikTok or investigating the impact of AI deepfakes in public advocacy. The questions I ask shape the design of each study, ensuring that the research delivers insightful results.
Study Design: I design research that tells human stories, using qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover insights that matter. In the FOND app project, I used user testing to refine the platform’s features, ensuring they aligned with student sustainability goals while also addressing data privacy concerns. My study designs are always actionable, leading to results that inform both design improvements and business strategy.
Analysis & Reporting: My analysis focuses on delivering clear, actionable insights that stakeholders can use. I use data visualization and user quotes to make findings accessible and impactful, ensuring that stakeholders can use the research to drive design and product strategy. In the FOND app project, insights from user feedback directly influenced design improvements that aligned with sustainability goals.
Reflection & Iteration: Every project I work on teaches me something new about technology and the people who use it. After each study, I reflect on the lessons learned—like how the TikTok algorithmic bias study taught me the importance of being able to pivot quickly when necessary. These reflections guide my future research, ensuring I’m always improving and adapting.
My goal is to bridge the gap between technological innovation and social responsibility, ensuring that the solutions we build are inclusive, ethical, and impactful.