
#162 - Empowering PwDR Using Research Education with Daniel Gottlieb of Microsoft
Awkward Silences · 2025-03-12 · 49 min
Episode notes
Many research activities are completed by non-researchers, but whose work is benefited from user insights. Generally, these folks - designers, PMs, developers, among others - are called "PwDR" or "people who do research." In addition to their own work, many UX researchers and operations specialists are focusing on educating and empowering this group. When stakeholders and colleagues are better informed on the hows and whys of user research, more of it gets done, more insights are integrated, and customer experiences improve. Daniel Gottlieb, Head of Research Operation for Microsoft's Developer Division, has spent a lot of time designing research education programs. He joins to discuss his success creating workshops that empower and inspire non-researchers to get involved. He shares the parts of a good workshop, ways to keep attendees engaged, and how he measures success. This is a revealing conversation for anyone who has wondered what successfully "democratizing" user research could look like. Daniel brings pragmatism and positivity to research education.
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