Shows
The Optimal PathThe evolution of user research with Dave Hora | Dave’s Research Co.In this episode of The Optimal Path, Ash Oliver discusses the future of user research with expert Dave Hora. From his beginnings in research back in 2011 to his key roles at companies like Plangrid and Instacart, Dave has been at the forefront of driving innovation through research. Now, he's here to share his thoughts on what’s next for user research—discussing the growing demand for user insights, how to integrate research practices throughout the product lifecycle, and the opportunities of AI tools.Tune in to uncover how we can seize the moment and define what’s next.2024-04-1837 min
The Optimal PathFostering a culture of organizational learning with Roy Opata Olende | ZapierIn this episode of The Optimal Path, host Ash Oliver sits down with Roy Opata Olende to delve into the complexities of UX research across organizational altitudes. They explore the different modalities of learning that take place inside organizations, the critical need for leadership buy-in, and the challenges of communicating research impact. Roy introduces the concept of a "menu of learning" along with his best practices for fostering a culture of curiosity within your own organization.About Roy:Roy Opata Olende has been involved in user research and service design since 2012. He currently leads the...2024-02-0145 min
The Optimal PathWelcome To The Optimal PathThe Optimal Path is a podcast about user research and product decision-making, brought to you by Maze.The voices featured in this trailer are Ash Oliver, UX Research Advocate at Maze; Marcus Brandford, Figma; Roy Opata Olende, Zapier; Amy Lima, (formerly) Amp @ Amazon Music; and Benjamin Humphrey, DovetailNew episodes drop every other week. Follow Maze and Ash Oliver on LinkedIn for updates, or visit maze.co/podcast and subscribe to be the first to know when we launch new episodes. See you soon!
2024-01-2202 min
Scaling ResearchGetting Started with Research Operations w/ Kasey CanlasFor more information and resources, check out scalingresearch.com.
--
“How did you get a job in Research Ops?”
After I started my past role running Research Ops at Zapier, I got this question in my LinkedIn DM nearly every week. Folks from UX research, Design, People Ops, and many other practices would reach out to learn about my path into this field with an eye to making a switch themselves.
Today, you get to hear this transition story from someone I greatly admire in the Research Ops community: Kasey Canlas.
2023-11-2832 min
CoshCast – Under The CoshCoshcast S13E5: United no moreSorry for the long wait but we're sure this one is worth it. With Man United in a state of disrepair, Bernie (one of our resident Man United fans) and friend of the pod Roy Olende (Arsenal fan who is enjoying United's downfall way too much) get together and dive in to the malaise that is Man United. It's a rant, it's lots of laughs and it's also a very therapeutic episode. As always, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-11-031h 08Scaling ResearchHow to Avoid the Research Repository Death Trap 👻 w/ Stephanie MarshIn today’s episode, I’m chatting with Stephanie Marsh.
Stephanie has a wealth of experience and most recently led user research at the UK’s Government Digital Service before hopping over to lead Research Ops at Springer Nature Group. Our conversation covers the gnarly and much-discussed topic of knowledge management.
In this chat with Stephanie we discuss:
How frustration with 3D pie charts kick-started their career in research.
Why knowledge management is a more gnarly problem in UX research than in other functions.
The allure of research repos as a knowledge management solution.
The va...2023-11-0144 minScaling Research014 - An Argument for In-Person Research w/ Craig PerlmutterFind more posts and resources at www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Craig Perlmutter. Craig is a Design and Research Ops lead with a wealth of experience, particularly with research labs. Our conversation explores the uniqueness of in-person research within a lab, and it’s value in our remote-leaning world.
We cover:
Craig’s path from working on call centre software to running his first research lab.
Using a lab to highlight the value of research to senior leadership.
In-person vs remote research: when and why each is valuable.
Setting u...2023-10-1146 minScaling Research013 - Our Discomfort with Research Democratization w/ Dave HoraFind more posts and resources at www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Dave Hora. Dave runs a research consultancy appropriately named Dave’s Research Company. He's done research in-house and as a consultant for over a decade; Dave is a deep thinker with a wealth of experience.
In this episode we talk about:
His path to independent research after working for five startups in nine years
The role of research and how that definition impacts democratization
UXR today vs a decade ago and what it means about research value
Resear...2023-10-0341 minCoshCast – Under The CoshCoshcast S10E27: It's so close you can taste itToday Alex is joined by friend of the pod Roy Olende to talk about the monster that is Haaland, a celebration of Arsenal, the rest of the premier league action, FA Cup shenanigans, Roy's namesake Roy Hodgson's triumphant return and much more more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-221h 03
UX Research GeeksSeason 2 #3 |The Strategic Importance of ResearchOps | Julian Della MattiaJulian Della Mattia is UX Research Lead at Kiwi.com and founder of the180 Agency. Based in Spain, Julian helps teams build up research practices from scratch and specializes in Facilitation & ResearchOps.
Follow Julian & his work here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdelmat/
If you interested to learn more about ResearchOps, we also recommend:
The Youtube channel of Kate Towsey https://www.youtube.com/@katetowsey5455
The podcast of Roy Opata Olende https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scaling-research/id1546142497
2023-02-1546 minCoshCast – Under The CoshCoshcast Summer 2023 Transfer SpecialThe Cosh Boys are back for a summer transfer special with our friend Roy Olende. Whose on the docket today?Mane, Frenkie, Lukakuuuu!!!, Raphinha, Gabby Jesus, Sterling, De Ligt, Neymar, INSIGNEE!! All these and more on the Coshcast, we're back baby! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-06-301h 18
CoshCast – Under The CoshCoshcast S9E13: Ballon D'one with this s*** This week on the Coshcast, we welcome friend of the Pod Roy Olende @DonYayaaa to the pod. There was supposed to be a structure but it turned into a wonderfully organic football conversation. In this episode we talk Rangnick, Roy's kids not being interested in Arsenal, super heroes, travel bans and how they equate to Man United, Tomiyasu and AWB, robbery at the Ballon D'or and much more more. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-12-011h 08
Aurelius PodcastEpisode 52 with Roy Olende on ResearchOps & Scaling UX ResearchShow highlights:
- “Zoom” levels of research and what they mean
- Figuring out when to do certain types of research and which methods to use
- Ways to avoid wasting resources and repeating research
- What’s the difference between UX Research and ResearchOps?
- How to you know when you need a dedicated ResearchOps person2021-05-1941 min
Awkward Silences#65 - The Best of Awkward Silences (So Far)To celebrate our launch on Product Hunt, we're taking some time to reflect on what Awkward Silences is all about. Guests featured in this episode, in order:Jon Macdonald, Founder of the GoodCat Noone, CEO of StarkRoy Opata Olende, Research Operations Manager at ZapierMaria Rosala, User Experience Specialist at Nielsen Norman GroupJoel Klettke, Founder of Case Study BuddyErika Hall, Co-Founder and Director of Strategy at Mule DesignHarrison Wheeler, Senior Manager, Product Design at LinkedIIn 2021-04-3007 minScaling Research012 - The Importance of Career Growth Paths in Research Ops w/ Tim ToyFor more info, head to www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tim Toy. Tim runs Research Ops at Airbnb. He's been in the ReOps field for over a decade and has a wealth of experience.
In our chat, Tim talks about:
Moving from HR recruiting into UX and Research Ops
Defining the roadmap for Research Ops at Airbnb
Establishing the importance of career growth paths for ReOps
The ubiquity of problems in Research Ops across different companies
ReOps as a proactive partner for the UX research function
---
Send in a...2021-03-3041 minScaling Research011 - Building Cross-Functional Partnerships w/ Cory WeissenbornFor more info, head to www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Cory Weissenborn. Cory runs Research Ops at Credit Karma. She has a wealth of experience having worked in Ops for companies of different sizes in a range of industries.
In our chat, Cory talks about:
The value of Research Ops vs the research coordinator role
What projects she tackled when starting her current Ops role
The importance of building relationships with cross-functional partners
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-03-1233 minScaling Research010 - Maturing a Research Ops Practice w/ Kate TowseyFor more info, head to www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kate Towsey. Kate is the Research Ops Manager at Atlassian and the catalyst behind the Research Ops community. If you've Googled Research Ops, she's probably one of the first names that comes up.
Kate's wide-ranging path into Ops gives her a unique lens on this work. In our chat, Kate shares about:
Research Ops vs research admin
The importance of learning how to manage a team
Creating research systems vs individual research resources...and much more
---
Send in a...2021-03-0338 minScaling Research009 - Research Ops Models w/ Kim PorterFor more info, head to www.scalingresearch.com.
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kim Porter who leads Research Ops at BT.
We chat about her journey into this role and then discuss Research Ops models. If you're considering launching a Research Ops practice at your company, Kim also has some very handy tips for how to frame that role.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-02-2342 minScaling Research008: Season 1 Wrap w/ Roy Opata Olende**Season 2 starts next week**
In this short episode, I quickly review Season 1 (yes, this podcast thing-y has seasons) and share some changes for Season 2.
If you're enjoyed this podcast, I'd like your help. I'm constantly searching for guests: if you or a friend is a good fit for this podcast, let me know. Twitter is the easiest way to contact me (@royolende) and email also works (opata.olende@gmail.com).
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-02-1505 minScaling Research007 - The UX Research Coach w/ Chris SpaltonToday, I'm joined by Chris Spalton. Chris is a UX research coach at Redgate. While not a traditional Research Ops role, there’s lots of commonality between his position and some of what tends to fall under the Research Ops function.
In this episode we talk about:
The purpose of his role
His journey to becoming a UX research coach
The overlap between his role and Research Ops
His plans for the future of this role
For more advice and info about Research Ops:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Check out my System17 blog & newsletter.
...2021-02-0144 minScaling Research006 - Year 1 vs Year 3 in Research Ops w/ Molly FargosteinIn today’s episode, I’m chatting with Molly who leads Research Ops at Mailchimp.
We talk about her experiences early in her Research Ops role and what it took for her to grow this practice and her team.
--
For more advice and info about Research Ops:
Subscribe to the podcast
Check out my System17 blog & newsletter
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-01-2635 minScaling Research005 - Launching Research Ops at Ticketmaster w/ Mitch HollisIn this episode we talk about:
How Mitch got into the UX field
His role prior to getting involved in Research Ops
What led him to start Research Ops projects
His decision to not move into a full-time ReOps role
Advice for anyone trying to start up ReOps in their company
For more advice and info about Research Ops:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Check out my System17 blog & newsletter
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-01-1937 minScaling Research004 - How Research Ops Expectations Vary From One Company to Another w/ Annie YorkToday, I'm joined by Annie York who leads Research Ops at Figma.
In this episode we talk about:
How she got involved in ResearchOps
How her approach to Ops changed when she moved to a different company
Which factors most affected how she ran Research Ops in two org
---
For more advice and info about Research Ops:
Subscribe to the podcast.
Check out my System17 blog & newsletter
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2021-01-1236 min
The ResearchOps PodcastEpisode 4: Roy Opata OlendeToday Brigette Metzler is interviewing a ReOps professional, Roy Opata Olende. Roy is the ResearchOps Manager at Zapier and is passionate about developing the field of ResearchOps.
2021-01-0948 minScaling Research003 - How to Establish a Research Ops Practice w/ Noël LambToday, I'm joined by the incredible Noël Lamb. Noël runs Research Ops at Robinhood and has nearly a decade of Research Ops experience having led the practice at Salesforce.
In this episode we talk about:
Noël's goals in the early stages of ResearchOps
What was surprising about her early days in ResearchOps
What Noël would you do differently if she was setting up a new ResearchOps practice today
The most difficult part of setting up a ResearchOps practice
The biggest difference between the early days of launching the practice vs when ResearchOps is es...2021-01-0444 minScaling Research002 - Design Ops vs Research Ops with Saskia LiebenbergToday, I'm joined by the super-brilliant Saskia Liebenberg. Saskia runs both Research Ops and Design Ops at Anaplan so she's well placed to talk about the differences between these functions.
In this episode we answer the following topics (and more):
How Saskia got into Research Ops and then moved over to DesignOps
Her experience transitioning to a new practice
How work in DesignOps differs from ResearchOps work
Are any of these practices more inherently strategic or tactical?
How these practices might changing over the next few years
Advice for people taking on this mixed DesignOps & ResearchOps...2021-01-0442 minScaling Research001 - Intro to the Research at Scale Podcast w/ Roy Opata OlendeWelcome to the first episode of Research at Scale! In this short intro, I'll share why I decided to launch a Research Ops podcast. You'll also learn what to expect in each episode. Thanks so much for listening!
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingresearch/message2020-12-2204 minAwkward Silences#55 - So You Want to Be In Research Ops? How Roy Olende of Zapier Made The SwitchThere is a growing need for research operations.As more companies embrace the importance of user research and scale their UXR efforts, a dedicated ops function is quickly becoming a necessity.Research ops—which involves things like participant recruitment, research processes, and programs to help non-researchers do better research—can be a career path for many different kinds of people. Roy has worked with ops pros who come from traditional business operations, marketing, UX, and of course, research. He says the key to succeeding in a research ops role isis to being comfortable with blazing a ne...2020-12-0839 min