My journey as a UX consultant and researcher
Overview
During my year-long experience as a UX Researcher for MyVoice, a research initiative affiliated with the University of Michigan Medicine, I gained valuable experience in qualitative data analysis and user research. MyVoice amplifies youth voices in academic health research by conducting surveys and publishing findings that guide public policymakers and researchers. Throughout this role, I worked on several key projects aimed at improving MyVoice’s impact, particularly in supporting their primary audience: community collaborators—research teams, and policymakers needing youth data.
Challenge
I was challenged to enhance MyVoice’s mission to amplify youth voices in public health and academic research. My task was to analyze large survey datasets and devise strategies to make collaboration with MyVoice more accessible and impactful. The goal was to improve the collaboration experience for current and potential partners, ultimately expanding the reach of MyVoice’s research by establishing its reliability as an institution that provides reliable, youth-driven data to academic institutions and policymakers.
Approach
Consulting on Strategic Direction
I worked closely with MyVoice's administration to guide the organization's future direction, emphasizing the growth and retention of community collaborators.
Through meetings and consultations, we determined that improving MyVoice’s accessibility for research teams from external institutions that rely on its data could amplify its impact.
I conducted a survey targeting 40 previous and current collaborators to gather feedback on how MyVoice could improve its usability and collaboration process.
2. Qualitative Data Analysis & Thematic Coding
This involved coding large data sets and creating a codebook to ensure our codes accurately reflected the essence of the survey responses, free from biases or personal inference.
This process helped me develop a deep understanding of research ethics, particularly when working with sensitive data.
Impact
I presented my findings at the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Program (UROP) Symposium. The poster I developed outlined my research process, highlighting key steps in my UX research consulting role, including survey design and response analysis. These findings showcased how improving usability for community collaborators could help MyVoice grow and better serve its mission of amplifying youth voices in public health research.
By sharing my work at the UROP symposium, I contributed to the broader academic discussion on the role of user research in shaping community-focused initiatives like MyVoice. My research provided actionable insights that could guide MyVoice’s future growth, maximizing its impact on academic and public health policy.
Conclusion
Through this experience, I not only strengthened my skills in qualitative data analysis, UX research, and strategic consulting but also learned the importance of developing clear communication practices for client interactions. My work has contributed to ensuring that youth perspectives remain a key consideration in health research and public policy.