Reading Response 1: How HCI shape product design
I definitely want to discuss HCI in this topic, especially since I’ve already written several application essays related to it. I often hear people say that the essence of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is caring about the user. However, in reality, HCI is a highly experimental field, often remaining within the lab. In the workplace, you need to balance user needs, business goals, and technology—none of which can be ignored. Therefore, design is ultimately about striking a balance among these three aspects. The job of HCI is to advocate for the user as much as possible without sacrificing technology and business considerations. Theoretically, UX or HCI exists at the intersection of these three domains, but I rarely come across products that truly excel in all three.
Notion, an all-in-one workspace tool, exemplifies this evolution. Its modular design allow users to drag and drop “blocks” such as text, databases, and calendars. This function is so cool that it enables so much freedom. Notion does not impose a single workflow. It offers templates and nested pages, allowing users to build personalized systems while minimizing decision fatigue. I’ve heard that one of Notion’s former leading product designer is also Chinese, and I really admire him.
Reading Response 2: User Research and Product Design
Q1: What makes Jane a strong fit for a UX Researcher position?
Jane Justice Leibrock possesses a diverse and extensive background in user experience research, making her a strong fit for a UX Researcher position. Her career includes roles such as User Experience Researcher and Manager at Meta (formerly Facebook), where she contributed to the design of the home page and the development of the News Feed. Jane’s experience at Even as Head of Research and later as Brand Director highlights her ability to lead research initiatives and integrate user insights into brand strategy. Her freelance work as an Independent Research Consultant further demonstrates her versatility and commitment to understanding user behaviors across various contexts.
In terms of skills, Jane has demonstrated proficiency in contextual inquiry and usability testing, both essential for understanding user needs and evaluating product interfaces. Her educational background, with a B.A. in History from Yale University and an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Information, provides a strong foundation in research methodologies and information analysis.
Q2: How does the job description of the new hire opportunity at Anthropic echo the points made by the author about what user researchers do and why they’re valuable?
Anthropic is an AI safety and research company that’s working to build reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Anthropic emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and the value of user insights in their product development process. The company’s mission to build reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems underscores the need for user researchers who can advocate for users and ensure that products are both functional and user-friendly.
This aligns with the author’s point that “users should be at the center of the product design,” highlighting the necessity of understanding user behaviors and needs to create successful products. User researchers bring value by providing objective insights into user interactions, which is crucial for developing AI systems that are intuitive and meet user expectations.
Q4: Career Advice: If a friend told you this is their dream job, what advice would you give them as they search for internships this summer?
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Develop a Strong Foundation in Research Methods: Gain proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Understanding various research techniques will enable you to gather comprehensive user insights, which are essential for informing product design and strategy.
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Cultivate Soft Skills: Effective communication, empathy, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are crucial in UX research. As noted by Jane, soft skills are essential for interacting better with people and the culture of your work environment.
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Seek Diverse Experiences: Engage in projects across different industries and roles to broaden your understanding of user behaviors in various contexts. This versatility will make you a more adaptable and insightful researcher, capable of contributing valuable perspectives to any team.
By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong foundation for a career in UX research and position yourself as a valuable candidate for roles at innovative companies like Anthropic.