#158 - Leading Design as a Researcher with Emily Wurgler of McDonald's

Episode notes

Erin and Carol are joined by Emily Wurgler, Global Director of Experience Design at McDonald's, whose journey has had many moments of evolution and iteration. She started as an academic researcher in sociology, transitioned to innovation research at growth stage companies, and ultimately to her leading enterprise research and design teams. Emily talks about the unique value researchers bring to design leadership, how she's had to adapt her approach, and explains how product experiences are iterated and improved at large companies with a strong design-research partnership. Emily also shares how she's preparing her team of designers for the future of UX work and the characteristics she looks for in a new hire. Highlights 07:30 Essential User Understanding for Product Success 13:50 Identifying Users for McDonald's Enterprise Products 24:38 Developing Innovative Product Solutions for Shift Leadership 30:46 Balancing Innovation with Existing Workflow Challenges 34:56 Cultivating Patience and Persistence for Organizational Change 39:05 Ranking Four Attributes: A Favorite Interview Question About Emily Emily Wurgler is the Global Director, Experience Design at McDonald's.

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