Awkward Silences

Latest Episodes:

Research Ops 2.0, Episode 4: Building Enduring Systems Amidst Constant Change Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In just ten years, ResearchOps has transformed from an obscure Silicon Valley speciality into a vibrant global profession. Despite economic headwinds, ResearchOps roles are emerging across industries far beyond tech, and the field is evolving at breathtaking speed. But where have we come from, and where are we going?

In this five-part audio documentary, we’re exploring the past, present, and future of ResearchOps—and it’s exciting, fascinating, and, at times, pretty mindblowing stuff! Each episode features the voices of Cha Cha Club members, senior research leaders, and the smart minds behind User Interviews.

In this fourth and penultimate episode of ResearchOps 2.0, we’re exploring a timely topic: how to build enduring research systems even when change seems to be the order of the day—every day. You’ll hear top tips from experts who’ve managed to ride the winds of change to deliver successful, responsive research operations.

Research Ops 2.0, Episode 3: Taking a Platform Approach to ResearchOps Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this third episode, we’re diving deep into what taking a platform approach to ResearchOps means and why research platforms are a pivotal part of the future of ResearchOps.

To scale up; tune in.

#173 - Prototyping AI in Live Research with Bold Insight & Panasonic Well Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Erin May sits down with Larry Becker and Gavin Lew of Bold Insight to explore how researchers can prototype AI experiences that don't exist yet. They're joined by Katie Johnson, Global Head of Research for Panasonic Well. All share their methods for testing everything from voice interfaces for blind users to family wellness bots using low fidelity simulation techniques.

⭐️ Larry, Katie, and Gavin are presenting their work at EPIC 2025 in Helsinki ⭐️

The conversation reveals how AI research requires new approaches beyond traditional usability testing. Katie explains her work simulating family interactions with AI assistants, where researchers act as human filters for LLM responses to study relationship building over time. The team demonstrates how even small changes in AI personality can be detected by users, highlighting the sensitivity of human-AI relationships.

Gavin emphasizes the critical importance of getting AI right from the first interaction, unlike traditional MVP approaches. When AI fails to understand or respond appropriately, users often abandon it permanently, making prototype research essential for building trust before launch. The discussion provides practical frameworks for researchers working with emerging AI technologies and the evolving methods needed to understand human-AI interactions.

Highlights

[06:25] Prototyping AI experiences mindset
[20:53] Human simulation in AI prototyping
[31:15] Human vs bot detection challenges
[38:52] Context interaction and trust framework
[49:33] Team collaboration in groundbreaking research
[51:27] Trust themes in AI development

Resources

Research Ops 2.0, Episode 2: Leveraging AI for Research Superstardom Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In just 10 years, ResearchOps has transformed from an obscure Silicon Valley speciality into a vibrant global profession. Despite economic headwinds, ResearchOps roles are emerging across industries far beyond tech, and the field is evolving at breathtaking speed. But where has it come from, and where is it going?

In this episode, we’ll explore how ResearchOps professionals are approaching AI today and what the future holds. Expect several unique case studies, as well as mind-blowing, not-so-futurist concepts. (Hint: Never mind AI research moderators. What about AI as genuine research participants?)

Credits
Production, narration, and audio engineering by Kate Towsey. Co-produced with Cha Cha Club manager, Glenn Familton, and ResearchOps experts, Jenna Lombardo and Renato Venter. Aria, the robotic voice, was generated by Soundly. Music and (most) sound effects featured in this episode were sourced from Epidemic Sound. Explore music and sounds via this playlist.

Special Release! Research Ops 2.0, Episode 1: The Evolution of ResearchOps Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this five-part audio documentary series, Kate Towsey of Cha Cha Club explores the past, present, and, most important of all, the future of ResearchOps. Each episode features the voices of Cha Cha Club members, senior research leaders, and the smart minds behind User Interviews. This episode features insights from User Interviews Co-Founders Basel Fakhoury and Dennis Meng, as well as CMO Erin May.

#172 - Summer Throwback: Caitria O'Neill on the Problems of Research Reports Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to our final Summer Throwback. We're revisiting some of our favorite conversations and insights.

We're closing with a topic that technology like AI—and shrinking attention space—is affecting: reporting results. Our guest, Caitria O'Neill, had a sense that stakeholders weren't really engaging with her results (or their implications) as she'd like them to. During her time on teams at Meta, AirBnB, and Google, she'd iterated and evolved how she packaged, presented, and stored research readouts.

It's a great listen for anyone who has felt a nagging suspicion that partners just aren't connecting with research.

Resources on Reporting

#171 - Summer Throwback: Kate Towsey on Starting a ReOps Practice Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, where we revisit some of our favorite episodes. This week's guest is Kate Towsey, who helped spotlight the relevance, urgency, and importance of Research Operations (ReOps) to business. This conversation is from her time leading ReOps at Atlassian. She breaks down the rationale for ReOps and the steps folks can take to start a practice of their own.

These days, Kate's investing in Cha Cha Club, a space for ResearchOps pros to connect and learn.

Stay tuned for an exclusive podcast series with Kate and Cha Cha Club...coming soon.

More ReOps Resources

#170 - Summer Throwback: Andrea Amorós on Influencing Stakeholders with Strategic Research Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, where we revisit some of Awkward Silences' most memorable episodes.

This week, Andrea Amoros, a Senior Principal Researcher at Ingram Micro talks strategic research (which is different from a research strategy). Andrea shares her definition of strategic research, its value for a company, and showcasing that value for stakeholders and partners.

Strategic Research Resources

#169 - Summer Throwback: Eniola Abioye on Breaking into User Research Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, were we revisit some of Awkward Silences' most memorable episodes.

This week, Eniola Abioye, UX Researcher at Meta, discusses what it takes to break into the user research industry. Her advice on creating application materials, searching for roles, and preparing for the interview process offer evergreen insight for any job seeker.

UX Career Resources

Free on-demand course with Eniola: User Research 101
The Ultimate UX Research Job Board
Getting started with freelance UX research

#168 - Summer Throwback: Amy Chess on Asking Better Questions Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Summer Throwbacks, where we revisit some of Awkward Silences' most memorable episodes.

This week features Amy Chess (then at Amazon) unpacking arguably the most important research skill: asking questions. She shares what makes a "good" question, how questions should connect to insights and impact, and how you can improve your question-creation ability.

Research Question Resources

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