Alesha Arp

I love the advice here to reach out to five users a week and ask if you can talk for fifteen minutes about your product/service. Likewise, looking for recurring themes is important.  https://lnkd.in/ePM97V32

2

Wow, it is nice to see some of the impact the course I authored with Designlab is having on teams both big and small. Emilyann Gachko thank you for sharing this case study and how it was received by the team at The Home Depot :) If you are interested in increasing your design skills through #usability and #accessibility check out the course. #ux #design #hcd https://lnkd.in/gEdC3NBV

11

Pause, Clarify, and Strategize! In UX and project management, time pressure often dictates our pace, sometimes at the cost of deeper discovery. Yet, I’ve found that taking even a single extra day to review challenges with stakeholders can yield game-changing insights. This deliberate pause can illuminate nuances in stakeholder expectations and uncover potential roadblocks before they impact the project. While we’re often encouraged to ‘move fast and break things,’ I’ve seen how the mindful application of ‘pause, clarify, and strategize’ can create room for more effective, sustainable solutions. Taking this approach has led to a smoother process with fewer mid-project surprises and stronger buy-in from stakeholders, who appreciate the opportunity to voice their perspectives early.” #UXDesign #ProjectManagement

3

2024 has been both a challenge and an inspiration for me - and this conversation was truly a series of a-ha moments. Steve Portigal was kind enough to join me for the latest episode of UserTesting's Insights Unlocked. We talked about research synthesis, alchemy (yes, I absolutely do think that UX research can be magical praxis in the hands of experienced and thoughtful people), and the state of remote research. #UserResearch #UX #CustomerExperience #ResearchLeadership #UserTesting

38

For neurodivergent professionals in UX research, having a robust support network can make a significant difference in navigating career challenges and opportunities. A support network can provide guidance, share resources, and offer emotional support, helping you thrive in your career. Here’s how you can build and make the most of these connections: ➡️ Connect with mentors: Seek out mentors who either share a similar neurodivergent background or are allies aware of the specific challenges you might face. A mentor can offer invaluable advice drawn from their own experiences and provide guidance tailored to your needs. ➡️ Join professional groups: There are many groups and forums online, including LinkedIn groups, dedicated to neurodivergent professionals or UX researchers. Participating in these groups can help you connect with peers, share experiences, and find professional opportunities. ➡️ Attend conferences and workshops: Engage in industry conferences and workshops, which are great places to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network. Many events now also offer virtual participation options, making them more accessible. ➡️ Use social Media to your advantage: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and specialized online communities can be powerful tools for connecting with other neurodivergent UX researchers. Follow topics, join discussions, and share your own insights and experiences. ➡️ Reach out for casual conversations: Sometimes, a casual conversation can lead to lasting professional relationships. If you’re a neurodivergent individual looking to chat about your experiences or just want to connect, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always open to discussing how we can support and learn from each other in our UX research journeys. ➡️ Offer support to others: While building your network, look for opportunities to support others. Whether it’s offering advice, sharing resources, or simply listening, your contributions can strengthen your connections and help build a supportive community. ✨ Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Building a network can help you navigate the complexities of being a neurodivergent UX researcher, providing not just professional but also personal growth opportunities. ✨ If you’re a neurodivergent UX'er looking for community or advice, or if you have tips on building a support network, please share your thoughts below! 👇 #ux #uxdesign #uxr #uxresearch #neurodiversity #networking #professionaldevelopment #neurodivergent

30

1 Comment

This got me thinking. I hear a lot of leaders say they're looking for cultural transformation, and want to shift in a direction that values reactivity, challenge confrontation, and collaboration. What they're describing is a design-driven culture. Many of these attributes are vital when UX is at the center. If that resonates, then looking at design maturity is the better route. #DesignMaturity #DesignDriven #Culture

2

Accessibility and inclusive design friends - what are your favorite videos to refer people to or use as resources? A lot of the things I use as references are articles or websites, and that means people who learn better from videos aren’t getting information in a way that works for them. If you have videos you recommend then I'd love to hear about them! Anything in the inclusive design or accessibility field is fine - they can be on any topic, for any audience, and they can be short or long. #Accessibility #A11y #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign

23

8 Comments

More UX and Product leaders need to hear Diana DeMarco Brown (she/her)'s wisdom. Diana is a pioneer in the UX field who takes a thoughtful and nuanced approach to assessing the current state of the tech industry. In our recent conversation, Diana shared many insights, including: - How to evaluate a company's culture during the hiring process - Why private equity ownership can result in design divestment - How Product and UX leaders can effectively influence business decisions - Why we don't need to panic with the rise of AI, but we need to think critically and prioritize regulation during this early stage Link to our full conversation: https://lnkd.in/eemDimVb

42

6 Comments

How well-versed are you when it comes to avoiding leading questions in UX research? Check out this article from the folks at Maze. https://lnkd.in/eiMvGbaS

16

2 Comments

Driving Impact Through Data-Driven Project Management As I wrap up this series on my journey in accessibility and UX research, I want to dive into a crucial aspect of my work: the power of data-driven project management. In my roles, I’ve learned that making informed decisions is key to driving impactful outcomes. Data isn’t just numbers on a page; it’s a narrative that helps us understand user needs, track progress, and measure success. Whether I’m managing projects in education or conducting UX research, the insights we glean from data guide our strategy and foster meaningful change. For instance, during my time at the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC), we utilized both qualitative and quantitative data to illuminate the user experience for individuals with disabilities. By analyzing participant feedback and usage metrics, we could craft tailored recommendations that significantly improved product accessibility. In one project, our data-driven approach led to a 30% increase in user satisfaction scores for an educational tool, showcasing how effective project management can create tangible benefits. Additionally, while managing the college programming for the Special Olympics, my small team and I relied heavily on data to build and refine our initiatives. By collecting feedback from student-athletes and coaches, we were able to identify key areas for improvement, which helped us create a more inclusive and engaging program. Our focus on data not only enhanced the overall experience for participants but also fostered stronger relationships within the community. But it doesn’t stop there. Data-driven project management is also about building strong partnerships and fostering collaboration. I often engaged with stakeholders—educators, developers, and end-users—to ensure that our research and projects not only informed product design but also aligned with their needs and goals. This collaborative spirit, combined with solid data insights, allowed us to create solutions that truly resonated with users. As I seek my next opportunity, I’m excited to continue leveraging data to drive impact. I believe that when we harness the power of data alongside our user-centered approaches, we can create innovative solutions that serve everyone. #ProjectManagement #DataDriven #UXResearch #Accessibility #Innovation #UserExperience #SpecialOlympics

3

Simple portfolio presentation tip for design leaders today: Include something about why this job. Why do you want it? What do you like about it? Don’t overcomplicate. I added one slide at the end when I applied for the Maps role. Idea is it helps you confirm what you think this role is going to be about. AND, it tells the interviewers you understand the challenges and the landscape.

93

6 Comments

Fatimah and I go wayyy back. What a joy to reunite. Thank you for sharing your pioneering ideas and how you arrived at them with dscout's People Nerds community, Fatimah. This article is Full. Of. Precious. Gems 💎💎💎! And indeed, many of us share your goal of "reimagin(ing) the UX research role to maximize research output." YES. Let's go. #peoplenerds #uxstrategy #ux #uxpossibilities #researchops

23

2 Comments

UX Design for Specialized Domains is something we at Boston UX know a lot about. Check out this great article from my co-worker Dorothy Shamonsky!

13

I wrote about one of my favorite parts of the design process - refining concepts through user research. One key part as you're prototyping out your concepts is to ground your participants in actual reality and be selective. Check it out, and let me your thoughts about concept testing! https://lnkd.in/gNUkA_pR

31

To all my UX Friends in the Richmond, VA area! The 2024 UX Census (RVA) Survey opens next Monday, September 16th! Get ready to participate in the annual survey that helps bring more transparency to the UX Careers in #RVA with questions on key skills, industries, job titles, salaries, etc. The more people who participate... the better the insights are. 💡 #uxcareers #richmondva #ux #design #productdesign #content

9

4 Comments

Very interesting article on the process of showcasing the results of research to stakeholders. https://lnkd.in/eyzx_4Sg #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui

4

Only one-third of CEOs could detail what their CDO oversaw at the company. In other words, 66% of CEOs couldn’t say what their CDO actually did, or how that success should be measured. No wonder only 10% of CEOs reported that a senior designer played a meaningful role in the company’s strategy. And only 17% of design leaders thought they were in the right position to give a company their full value. McKinsey concludes that 90% of companies aren’t using design talent to their full potential. https://lnkd.in/ePHAS4S3

4

1 Comment

As an instructor with a new batch of graduating designers, many points in this article resonated with me! What do you think? As the UX industry continues to level out, foundational design theory and soft skills are still most desirable for entry-level. Hard skills can be taught on the job! “We should seek out smart candidates with intangible soft skills and mentor their hard skills, rather than quick filtering for hard skills exclusively and hoping the soft skills are sufficient.” @EdwardLiu vi UX Collective How are YOU standing out with your portfolio? What makes YOU different from the many, many other applicants? #designthinking #designeducation #designcommunity #studentportfolios #designjobs

10

Discover three effective strategies for managing visual complexity in applications and websites. Enhance user experience and streamline your design process with these expert tips! https://lnkd.in/gnY9riDR

1