UX Research Expert Reveals Surprising Truth About Field of UX Research

"The reality of the field of UX Research” - Act 01 - Scene 16 – Dale Husband https://uxrminds.com/ In this episode of the DesignOps Aligned podcast, Naresh Shan and Dale Husband discuss the current challenges in the UX research job market, the impact of AI on design and research roles, and the importance of communication and advocacy for UX researchers. They explore the evolving nature of UX roles, the significance of remote work preferences, and the need for researchers to position themselves strategically within organizations. Dale shares insights from his podcasting experience and future plans for UXR Minds, emphasizing the value of UX research in driving business growth and innovation. Takeaways • Dale has been looking for a job in UX research since January. • The job market is saturated with new entrants in UX. • AI is changing the landscape of UX research roles. • Remote work preferences are affecting job opportunities. • Communication skills are crucial for UX researchers. • Researchers should advocate for their value in organizations. • UX researchers can influence product and marketing decisions. • The role of UX researchers is evolving towards strategy. • Networking and cross-team collaboration are essential. • Dale plans to host webinars and networking events in Italy. Chapters 00:00 - Freestyling the Podcast Experience 01:33 - The Challenges of Job Searching in UX Research 05:50 - The Impact of AI on UX Research 17:13 - Navigating Remote Work Preferences 22:04 - Common Challenges Faced by UX Researchers 24:42 - The Power of UX Researchers 26:21 - Positioning Research for Business Impact 29:14 - Building Cross-Functional Relationships 32:19 - The Importance of Communication in Research 35:49 - Research as a Strategic Asset 38:28 - The Role of Researchers in Innovation 40:44 - Future Plans for UXR