tools & the trade
It all begins with an idea.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the trade or craft of UX Research. What and how do researchers (how do I) contribute to the team?
Yes, I fully admit, this is top of mind due to my current job search. But, especially so, following a recent panel interview / case study challenge where I stumbled. In the 10-min portion to prepare a presentation, I found myself jumping between my sketch notes on paper, a white boarding tool, a google doc, and trying to think through the pitch and talk-talk for a proposed research strategy.
I got distracted by tools.
I lost track of my trade.
It likely cost me the job.
All of this got me thinking. I was upset with myself for getting tangled up in the technology. Why didn’t I stick with my pen and paper? Why didn’t I showcase my skills by adding my google doc into the white boarding tool (which I actually prepped a board with the company logo and brand colors)? Why couldn’t I communicate my thinking — I have all of these tools readily available!
The tools got in my way, I thought. But, that’s actually not the right frame of mind. I lost track of my trade.
I
The trade of user research is gaining an understanding of the unknowns, crafting a path to learn, and identifying the lessons learned — collaboratively, of course. But tools are an aid to the process. If you lose track of the trade, whether you have a hammer, nail gun, or a rock, it doesn’t matter.
The foundation of my trade:
Human factors — how people process information
Strategic thinking — gravitate towards Design Thinking framework by Jeanne Lietdke (link): What is? What if? What wows? What works?
Tools & the trade!
Verizon (short codes)
P.S., I just asked someone for feedback on my current resume. One suggestion: list some of the tools you have strong experiences with :) Tools & the trade, it is!
How many of us lose track of the user research trade within the hustle of building products?
Wait, what is the user research trade anyway?
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.