Ori Dar explores how to establish user experience research from the ground up when taking on the pivotal role of a company’s first UX researcher. Dar draws on their own experience building the UX research practice at Imperva to share a methodology for defining the research function through discovery, planning and execution.
The approach emphasizes applying a research mindset to understand the role’s value proposition and responsibilities. Dar conducted job analysis and interviews to develop goals and hypotheses, then synthesized learnings into a job description. Templates were created for planning, data collection and documentation to establish standard processes.
Engaging stakeholders and aligning metrics helped strengthen the research culture. The article provides a thoughtful framework for any practitioner tasked with pioneering UX work in an organization. Dar’s real-world examples demonstrate how a research-driven approach can lay the foundation for ongoing user-centered innovation.
