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