M.C. Escher’s UX Research Career Ladder

Key Insights

• •

  Many successful UX researchers have non-linear, ‘meandering’ career paths rather than the linear trajectories job descriptions demand.

• •

  Researchers often realize they have been doing UX research informally long before entering the field or receiving formal credentials.

• •

  Current hiring processes emphasize formal ‘stamps’ or credentials which often fail to capture transferable skills and true potential.

• •

  There is a disconnect between what gets recognized in hiring and promotions versus what actually drives success in UX research.

• •

  Defining individual and team research identities can help teams align on what success looks like and value diverse strengths.

• •

  Successful project models that reflect real experiences, including challenges, help create shared understanding and appreciation in teams.

• •

  Recruiting must extend beyond traditional channels and jargon to find talented researchers from diverse backgrounds and career paths.

• •

  Providing transparency and guidance in recruiting (e.g., translating transferable skills) helps candidates perform better and reduces bias.

• •

  Supporting researchers beyond entry-level roles is crucial to retaining talent, fostering mastery, and developing future leaders.

• •

  Treating the talent acquisition and retention challenges as a design problem encourages iterative, human-centered approaches to build a more inclusive discipline.

Notable Quotes