Heather Wright Karlson
Senior UX Researcher & Strategist
With 10+ years of experience, I specialize in untangling complex enterprise challenges, transforming ambiguous problems into actionable insights that guide strategic initiatives.
Based in Boston/Remote
Skillset
Through experience in a variety of environments, I've acquired a versatile skillset that enables me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, balancing both high-level and detailed views.
UX RESEARCH
-
Discovery & Strategic Research
-
Multi-method Study Design
-
Contextual Inquiry
-
Enterprise User Testing
-
Research Operations
UX STRATEGY
-
Research Framework Development
-
Stakeholder Alignment
-
Experience Measurement
-
Change Management
-
Digital Transformation
LEADERSHIP
-
Research Team Mentorship
-
Cross-functional Collaboration
-
Workshop Facilitation
-
Strategic Communications
-
Process Optimization
Experience
Organizations I've conducted research for
Areas of Expertise
Strategy
My work includes untangling complex business challenges into actionable research initiatives that drive measurable outcomes and strategic change.
Collaboration
Focusing on building cross-functional partnerships I build frameworks that enable organizations to make evidence-based decisions at scale.
Research
I specialize in designing innovative mixed-methods approaches that balance rigorous methodology with enterprise constraints.
Impact
Demonstrated track record of driving organizational change through strategic research initiatives across enterprise and consulting environments.
50+ Studies across 7 industries
Led 50+ strategic research engagements across 7 industries including media, entertainment, SaaS, ecommerce, insurance, financial services, and healthcare.
Frameworks, Methodologies, & more
-
3 Industry presentations at global conferences
-
52 UX articles curated through blog program I established
-
Featured article in User Interviews on UX metrics (2024)
10+ years experience
-
6+ Years consulting with start ups to Fortune 500 clients
-
3.5 Years in-house at Fortune 500 enterprise organization
Enterprise Impact
​​$100M Client Portal Initiative
-
15+ Product teams adopting weekly research insights
-
20 In-depth client research sessions
-
110+ Stakeholders engaged
-
1,500+ End users impacted
​
Knowledge Platform Development
-
1,000+ Technology employees supported
-
20 Systems integrated
-
13 User roles documented
-
16 Weeks from concept to launch
Toolbox
These are tools I utilize regularly
Honing my craft, increasing efficiency, and quality requires me to always be open to learning and experimenting to utilize technology to optimize research.
FigJam
Featured Writing & Speaking
Why a UX Metrics Menu Helps Align Business and Research for Impact (and How to Create Your Own)
A framework for accelerating research implementation through strategic metrics alignment.
Development of an Experience Scorecard, World Usability Congress (2020)
Innovative approach combining usability, emotional, design, and brand metrics to measure customer experience.
Endorsements
What people say about working with me
Heather's ability to understand user needs and translate them into actionable insights is unparalleled.​
"
Heather is expert at translating very complex, scientific concepts and techniques to simple, relatable concepts to Marketing, Insights, and Engineering staff, as well as, consumers.
"
Heather has a unique ability to come up with ideas that are both creative and practical.
"
Lena Dmitrieva
Senior UX Consultant
Education
M.S.
Human Factors in Information Design
M.Ed.
Curriculum and Instruction
B.A.
Photography and Writing
Certificates
Prosci Certified Change Practicioner
