Ana is a seasoned User Researcher with 15 years of experience driving strategic decisions through reliable field research. Her work spans diverse contexts, from conducting ethnographic studies in remote communities to leading strategic research within cutting-edge tech companies, where she has been recognized as a Top Performer.
Passionate about deeply understanding humans and their environments, Ana specializes in identifying opportunities that help teams make informed strategic decisions and mitigate risks. She is a strong advocate for systemic and participatory research methods, ensuring that insights are both impactful and actionable.
As AI reshapes industries, Ana is exploring how AI can enhance participatory research while preserving its human essence.
Her professional journey has taken her to approximately 20 countries, allowing her to engage with a wide range of cultures and communities. Beyond her full-time work, Ana occasionally provides consulting services worldwide.
Past Talks
Participatory research has long been a cornerstone of human-centered design, driving deep user engagement and delivering insights that shape meaningful, user-centric products. Yet, as the digital landscape rapidly evolves, the practice faces new challenges—especially in fast-paced, AI-driven environments where efficiency and scalability are prioritized.
This talk dives into the dynamic intersection of participatory research and artificial intelligence, presenting AI not as a threat but as a transformative enabler of sustainable, human-centered research. By bridging traditional ethnographic methods with cutting-edge AI-enhanced approaches, we’ll explore how participatory research can evolve without losing its core human essence.
Key discussion points include:
- The Value of Participatory Research: Unpacking the psychological and business benefits, grounded in theories like Social Identity and Self-Determination, to reinforce its relevance in today’s AI-driven world.
- Stakeholder Buy-In in a Fast-Paced World: Addressing the challenge of securing support for participatory research in environments dominated by rapid decision-making and ROI-driven priorities.
- AI Integration Strategies: Sharing actionable strategies for embedding AI into research workflows to enhance scalability while maintaining user authenticity and ethical considerations.
Looking ahead, we’ll reimagine the future of UX research in AI-powered environments. By thoughtfully leveraging AI, we can ensure participatory research remains a vital tool for humanizing software development and fostering meaningful user connections.
