About 4 years ago, I found out I was going to be the only user researcher at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the UK Government. This was quite daunting at the time and I struggled to find any tips or guidance on it. …

Today I conducted a research session without an observer (at the participant’s request) and I felt so much more connected with the person taking part. It got me thinking once again about research observation, now that we’re doing more remote work. — Traditionally, (in my experience) user research observation would happen by streaming a secure link into a separate room where the team would sit and watch, discuss and take notes together.

When I look back on my last 7 years in the design industry, the two main things I wish I’d done more of is to: Share my work Ask for help So I’ve decided to practice writing about my journey openly and reaching out to others in a similar situation…

One thing I’ve been struggling with recently is how to involve our whole team in the analysis of research findings. I’d like to learn more about how we can do this better. In government, we say ‘user research is a team sport’ but there is little sharing about how we…

Between jobs, I thought it’d be good to reflect on some principles that I’d like to follow at work. Some of these are borrowed from good leaders I’ve worked with and others I’ve learnt the hard way by acting the complete opposite. We may not follow all of these principles…