In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Jesse Dart speaks with Matt Artz about his journey into UX research. Jesse shares his path from anthropology to UX research, highlighting his unique experience studying food and organizational anthropology in tech companies. He discusses his transition from academia to UX research through an agency in Rome, and his current role as a senior UX researcher at Hyatt Hotels, where he applies ethnographic methods to understand the complex hospitality industry.

Jesse Dart is a film photographer, writer, and Italian/American citizen based in the western United States, he frequently travels to Europe. His writing, influenced by his background in cultural anthropology, focuses on adventure, travel, society, and culture. Jesse has contributed to various publications including Monocle, The Guardian, and Vice. As a social anthropologist, Jesse is a senior researcher for Hyatt Hotels, applying his expertise to understand cultural nuances in hospitality. He holds a PhD in anthropology from The University of Sydney and an M.A. in gastronomy from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Jesse publishes a newsletter of short stories and photos called “Art of the Escape” and his first book “Feeding the Hustle” was released in 2021. He was awarded an Artist Opportunity Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts in 2024 and has appeared on the Anthropologist on the Street podcast.

• Hotels are complex environments requiring an anthropologist’s eye to understand the nuances of guest experiences and organizational dynamics
• UX research in hospitality must consider multiple stakeholders, from guests to staff members who interact with digital products
• Ethnographic methods and fieldwork can validate and provide context to quantitative data in corporate settings
• Photography and writing skills from anthropological training can complement and enhance UX research capabilities

Key Moments

• 1:00 Introduction to anthropology through international travel and exchange programs
• 2:46 Education in applied anthropology in Australia
• 11:17 Introduction to UX through Fifth Beat agency in Rome
• 14:39 Transition to Hyatt Hotels as senior UX researcher
• 19:28 Discussion of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in corporate research
• 26:06 Integration of photography and writing with UX research career

• Jesse Dart’s LinkedIn
• Jesse Dart’s Instagram
• Jesse Dart’s Substack

In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Sonja Hodgson speaks with Matt Artz about her journey into UX research. Sonja shares her path from anthropology to UX research, highlighting the transferable skills from her anthropological background. She discusses her experiences in various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, market research, and her current position as a UX researcher at LexisNexis. Sonja emphasizes the value of anthropological methods in UX research and the importance of continuous learning in the field.

Sonja Hodgson is a UX Researcher II at LexisNexis Legal, where she applies her expertise in applied anthropology to drive user-centric solutions in the legal technology sector. With a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, Sonja brings a unique perspective to her work in UX research. Her career spans various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, and market research, before transitioning into UX research.

• Anthropologists already possess many of the essential skills needed for UX research, with UX terminology often being a new “language” to learn.
• Continuous skill development, including learning statistics and data analysis tools, is crucial for career growth in UX research.
• The integration of AI tools in UX research can significantly enhance efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
• Networking and affordable online courses can be valuable resources for those looking to break into UX research, especially during challenging job markets.

Key Moments

• 1:54 Journey from anthropology to UX research
• 5:57 Transition from market research to UX research at LexisNexis
• 13:48 Applying anthropological skills in UX research
• 19:47 Integrating AI tools in UX research processes
• 22:52 Developing additional skills for UX research, including statistics
• 26:36 Advice for breaking into UX research in a tough job market

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.”

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.

• 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.

• 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

• Fatimah Richmond’s Personal Website