#124- Defining a Research Strategy with Devin Harold of Capital One

<p>A solid UX research strategy serves as the compass that guides research ops and helps ensure repeatable success. But how do you envision, create, and execute a strategy that helps you achieve your goals in the most effective way possible? </p> <p>In this episode of Awkward Silences, Devin Harold, Director of Research at Capital One, unpacks how to craft and refine a winning UXR strategy, including tips to help you make team playbooks, winning stakeholder buy-ins, and using maturity models to inform your strategy. </p> <p><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></p> <ul> <li><p>The significance of a robust UX research strategy</p> </li> <li><p>The definition of a good and bad strategy </p> </li> <li><p>Essential components of an effective research plan</p> </li> <li><p>Aligning research with stakeholder needs and expectations</p> </li> <li><p>Metrics and KPIs to evaluate progress and success</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Highlights</strong></p> <ul> <li><p>[00:01:17] Strategy vs Delivery, prioritizing projects and allocating resources  </p> </li> <li><p>[00:10:13] The role of flexibility and adaptability</p> </li> <li><p>[00:15:38] Gaining stakeholder buy-in and tying research to organizational objectives</p> </li> <li><p>[00:21:05] Establishing KPIs and metrics to measure progress and success</p> </li> <li><p>[00:33:46] Periodic reviews and updates to maintain relevance and effectiveness</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Sources mentioned in the episode:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://userinterviews.com/awkward" target="_blank">userinterviews.com/awkward</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Strategy-Bad-Strategy-audiobook/dp/B07R6XQ8YP/" target="_blank">Good Strategy/Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt</a></li> <li><a href="https://dovetail.com/blog/uxr-maturity/">UXR Maturity Models: Move to a more advanced level in your org </a>by Nikki Anderson of Dovetail</li> <li><a href="https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-strategy/">UX Strategy Components</a> by Nielsen Norman Group</li>