How to Develop and Implement UX Research for Organizations

Hey there, I’m Ryan Badertscher, a narrative researcher who’s spent years diving into the messy, beautiful world of human experience through ethnographic fieldwork. If you’re looking to weave UX research into your organization’s DNA, I’ve got some practical steps to share, drawn from my time observing how people move through systems, spaces, and stories. Let’s break it down.

First, start with the ground truth. Get out of the lab and into the real world where your users live. I’ve always believed in running short, immersive studies, think a day or two observing how things actually feel on the ground. This isn’t about workshops or media production; it’s about uncovering what’s working, what’s not, and what’s being missed. At Sky Island Consulting, I’ve tailored this approach to help organizations see the human side of their challenges, and it’s a game-changer for setting a solid foundation.

Next, pick the right tools, but use them like a fieldworker, not a product tester. I lean on UX research techniques like behavioral mapping, borrowed from the tech world, but apply them with a storyteller’s eye. This means mapping how people navigate your systems while keeping their lived experiences at the core. Whether it’s sketching out user journeys or analyzing interview data, keep it lightweight and focused on insight, not overcomplicated processes.

Then, build a process that scales. From my days managing archival collections at the Mesa Historical Museum, I learned the value of consistent documentation and ethical handling of data. Set up clear consent workflows and privacy practices, think standardized NDAs and compliance with regulations like GDPR. This not only builds trust but ensures your research stands up to scrutiny as your team grows.

Collaborate across the board. I’ve worked with diverse partners to align research with organizational goals. Partner with your product and engineering teams early, sharing insights that inform design and strategy. It’s about creating a shared language where everyone sees the value of user-centered work.

Finally, iterate with purpose. After gathering insights, don’t just file them away. Use them to shape narratives that drive action, whether it’s a feature tweak or a new strategy. My work has always started with lived experience, and that’s where the real impact lies. Check in regularly, refine your methods, and keep the focus on what matters to your people.

This approach has worked for me across nonprofits, tech, and historical research. Give it a try, adapt it to your context, and watch your organization unlock a deeper connection with its users. Let’s keep the conversation going, drop me a line at ryan.badertscher.97@gmail.com if you’ve got questions or stories to share!

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