The Anthro to UX podcast is for anthropologists looking to break into user experience (UX) research. Through conversations with leading anthropologists working in UX, you will learn firsthand how others made the transition, what they learned along the way, and what they would do differently. We will also discuss what it means to do UX research from a practical perspective and what you need to do to prepare a resume and portfolio. It is hosted by Matt Artz (https://mattartz.me), a business anthropologist specializing in design anthropology and working at the intersection of product management, user experience, and business strategy. To learn more about the Anthro to UX podcast and career coaching services, please visit the website (https://anthropologytoux.com).
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The Anthro to UX podcast is for anthropologists looking to break into user experience (UX) research. Through conversations with leading anthropologists working in UX, you will learn firsthand how others made the transition, what they learned along the way, and what they would do differently. We will also discuss what it means to do UX research from a practical perspective and what you need to do to prepare a resume and portfolio. It is hosted by Matt Artz (https://mattartz.me), a business anthropologist specializing in design anthropology and working at the intersection of product management, user experience, and business strategy. To learn more about the Anthro to UX podcast and career coaching services, please visit the website (https://anthropologytoux.com).
In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Fatimah Richmond speaks with Matt Artz about her UX journey. Fatimah shares her journey from computer science to anthropology and how she found her passion for human-computer interaction. She discusses the evolution of UX research and the importance of research maturity within organizations. Fatimah highlights the need for researchers to take ownership of their practice, understand power dynamics, and communicate the impact of their work effectively.
Opinions expressed are solely Fatimah Richmond’s own, and do not express the views or opinions of her current or former employers.”
About Fatimah Richmond
Fatimah Richmond is a UX Research Strategist with over 15 years of experience across AI, healthcare, enterprise software, productivity tools, talent solutions, and defense IT. She currently works at Google DeepMind, focusing on strategic research programs for AI User Experience (AIUX). Fatimah has held roles such as research manager, research program manager, and research assistant, executing qualitative research projects targeting large markets and specialized user groups. She completed her graduate studies in Applied Anthropology, Human Factors, and Design at San Jose State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Tuskegee University. Her mission is to empower user research, enable ethical and inclusive products, and document her findings.
Key Takeaways
Fatimah emphasizes the importance of research maturity and understanding the impact of low-maturity organizations on the research process.
Researchers should embrace strategic operations and programs to tell the story of their function within the organization.
Creativity plays a key role in research innovation, and hobbies like poetry can enhance researchers’ creative thinking.
Taking a critical reflexive lens to study power dynamics and organizational culture can lead to a deeper understanding of research practices.
Key Moments
1:22 Integrating Anthropology and Computer Science in Human-Computer Interaction
4:38 Anthropology of Work and the Digital Divide in Silicon Valley
7:07 Evolution of UX Roles and Usability Engineering
9:58 Adapting UX Research Across Different Organizational Environments
16:00 The Evolution and Diversification of UX Practitioners
18:00 Evolving Research Operations and Strategic Integration in Business
24:07 Understanding Research Maturity in Organizations
25:28 The Debate on Storytelling Skills in User Research
26:32 Enhancing Research Operations Through Strategic Metrics and Self-Analysis
34:55 Exploring Research Maturity and Creativity in Emerging Technologies
Recommended Links
Fatimah Richmond’s Personal Website
Anthro to UX with Matt Artz
The Anthro to UX podcast is for anthropologists looking to break into user experience (UX) research. Through conversations with leading anthropologists working in UX, you will learn firsthand how others made the transition, what they learned along the way, and what they would do differently. We will also discuss what it means to do UX research from a practical perspective and what you need to do to prepare a resume and portfolio. It is hosted by Matt Artz (https://mattartz.me), a business anthropologist specializing in design anthropology and working at the intersection of product management, user experience, and business strategy. To learn more about the Anthro to UX podcast and career coaching services, please visit the website (https://anthropologytoux.com).
