In-Person UX Research, Metrics & AI: Lessons from Joel Barr | UXR Geeks Field Notes

<p>In this field notes episode, Petra Rajkov reflects on her conversation with Joel Barr and outlines the lessons she is applying to her own user research practice. She examines why getting out into the field and observing users in their own environment remains key for teams building software, which business metrics demonstrate the research value better than CSAT and NPS, and why she shares Joel&#39;s view that AI can support researchers but should not replace the people at the center of the work.</p><p><br></p><p>To hear the full discussion, watch episode 76 of UXR Geeks with Joel Barr: <a href="https://youtu.be/MqtCH-6Ab9E?si=oNBHMhXo4CpKFCz6">https://youtu.be/MqtCH-6Ab9E?si=oNBHMhXo4CpKFCz6</a> </p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 The warehouse interface nobody used</p><p>01:58 Get out into the field </p><p>03:15 Choose the right metrics to prove your worth </p><p>04:08 Don’t replace users with AI </p><p>05:49 Petra&#39;s conclusions</p><p><br></p><p>📚 Related reading:</p><p>- UXtweak meta-analysis of synthetic participants: <a href="https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9057643/v1_covered_9dfd9a10-c893-490f-b28d-cceb2180ed9c.pdf?c=1773733359">https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9057643/v1_covered_9dfd9a10-c893-490f-b28d-cceb2180ed9c.pdf?c=1773733359</a> </p><p>- UXtweak research on AI moderation in usability testing: <a href="https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2025/02/human-centered-design-ai-assisted-usability-testing/">https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2025/02/human-centered-design-ai-assisted-usability-testing/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>👉 If you have any tips on fantastic speakers from across the globe, feedback, or any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to <a href="mailto:geekspodcast@uxtweak.com">geekspodcast@uxtweak.com</a></p><p><br></p><p>🐝 Brought to you by UXtweak, an all-in-one UX research software. Start your research for free at: <a href="https://www.uxtweak.com/"><u>https://www.uxtweak.com/</u></a> 👈</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🐝 Where to follow UXtweak:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxtweak/"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uxtweak/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@uxtweak"><strong>YouTube</strong></a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uxtweak/"><strong>Facebook</strong></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/UXtweak"><strong>Twitter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>