Speaking experience
I give talks on user research at global conferences & for podcasts to help shape the future of user research
As a researcher, I ensure my talks are full of actionable insights for whoever is listening. I don’t just talk theory - I give tangible, real-life examples from my previous experience and provide tips on how I overcome obstacles, including templates and guides that I use in my everyday work.
My first talk was back in 2014. With shaking knees and a dry throat, I took to the stage to discuss my process of quantitative usability testing. I had been a user researcher for about 1.5 years.
Since then, I have been a part of many conferences, podcasts, and have spoken at a variety of companies. Despite being an introvert, speaking engagements are exciting to me and I take each opportunity very seriously. I don’t rely on generic information. I give each talk a personalized touch given the industry, audience, and experience level.
And everyone leaves with at least one thing they can action on.
With my extensive experience in fiction and blog writing (dscout | dovetail), I weave real-life stories and examples into each of my talks. I’ve been a lone researcher, a not-so-loved researcher, a researcher at the end of my rope, a burnt-out researcher, a confused researcher - I use my experience and struggles I’ve encountered to help people get through whatever they need.
I am currently available for remote, online talks (my timezone is GMT, but I work globally).
Here’s what some people have said:
“Nikki is an inspiring speaker. My team and I left with so many actionable tips and a lot of motivation to improve our research processes immediately. Even a few weeks later, we can see the difference!”
“Nikki was one of the strongest pillars of UX360. She had a big influence on the way the program took shape and her contribution as a Panel Moderator was invaluable. Nikki directed the panel discussion on Democratization brilliantly; a topic that’s not always easy to handle due to the polarised views. It’s always wonderful to work with her, as she brings in a lot of positivity and puts everyone around her at ease.”
I have several topics depending on the medium
For talks
How to Succeed as a UXR Team of One
Using Failures to Drive Our Success as Researchers
How to Measure the Impact of User Research
Balancing Teach & Rigor in User Research
Workshop Facilitation Techniques for Researchers
How to Apply Mixed Methods to Your Research
How to Identify & Overcome Cognitive Biases in Qualitative Interviews
For podcasts
Generative research
Usability testing
Strategic research
Career development as a researcher
Mistakes we make as user researchers
Transitioning into/new to user research
Democratization of User Research
User research maturity
Have something in mind that you don’t see here? Get in touch so we can discuss it!
“Nikki was a pleasure to work with. She shared her presentation early, was responsive to feedback, and took into consideration everything we needed - and turned it into an amazing keynote for our event!”
“The episode for our podcast has been one of our most popular - Nikki broke down tangible ways of making user research doable, and not just by user researchers.”
Seen/heard at
Democratization: Yay or Nay?
Remote
February 8 & 9, 2022
What Mistakes Slow Down My UX Research?
Remote
November 2, 2021
Talk: User Research Team of One
Workshop: User Research Career Development
Vienna, Austria
October 21 & 22, 2021
New-to-UX Panel Discussion
Remote
September 24, 2021
Measuring the Impact of User Research
Remote
July 6, 2021
Market Research x User Research
Remote
June 9, 2021
UXInsight Festival
The Failures We Need to Succeed
Remote
April 14-16, 2021
Digitale Leute Summit
Hands-on techniques for effective user research
Remote
November 9, 2020