Nico Keyes

experience researcher

 

Hello and welcome! I’m a NYC-based UX researcher with a passion for projects in service of a better future.

I help create products that are useful, useable, and that actually get used. I do this by conducting mixed-method user research that shapes everything from go-to-market strategy to user interface designs—and often, internal processes.

My goal is always the same: to create more intentional experiences for users, customers, and product teams through a deeper understanding of the contexts and people we serve.

Reach out on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect!

 
 

Key traits

Proactive

I take a highly proactive approach to problem-solving and information gathering, seeking resources and knowledge to drive all of my projects forward—not only user studies. I’ve found that this mindset, coupled with my commitment to continuous learning, leads to the most impactful results.

Strategic

I’m a big picture thinker and adept at zooming in and out to gain holistic understanding. While I enjoy immersing myself in a new product domain, problem space, or user group, I am always keenly aware of—and actively ensuring that my work aligns to—the overarching business strategy and expected outcomes.

Analytical

One aspect of my work that I especially enjoy is synthesizing complex data from a variety of sources—usually a combination of behavioral analytics, market research, and qualitative and quantitative data. Going from raw data to actionable recommendations is key to driving informed and innovative decision-making.

Articulate

No matter how stellar your work is, if it’s not delivered in a clear and compelling way, you won’t get the outcomes you want. I take great care in how I communicate verbally, orally, and in written form to increase understanding, garner stakeholder buy-in, and drive meaningful outcomes.

Collaborative

Collaboration is essential to my approach—and it extends beyond teamwork. I actively seek opportunities to challenge boundaries, reshape team dynamics and foster innovation by engaging colleagues across departments. This promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, breaks siloes, and enhances team effectiveness.

Forward-thinking

Years before a company I worked at introduced a new initiative promoting the importance of UX Research across the product life cycle, I gave a talk, organized a panel discussion, and wrote an article advocating for the same. My proactive stance led to my being invited to contribute to the program as an instructor — a testament to the merit of leaning into topics you’re passionate about.

 

Teaching Advanced Design Thinking and User Research to graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin

Site visit with Jen Spatz to better understand our target users (System Administrators)

Katy Oldfield, Tucker Adelman, and myself presenting our final playback at IBM in Austin, TX

Learning about the importance of Accessibility in product design — these goggles simulate a common visual impairment

Our data wall for IBM Patterns Design & UX Research Bootcamp in Austin, TX

Marketing photoshoot with fellow IBMers

Leading a session on how to turn problems into possibilities with Design Thinking @ the 2023 Texas Library Conference

Leading a discussion on how UX research fits into the product development lifecycle at IBM Product Management Academy in San Jose, CA

Stakeholder kickoff at IBM in Austin, TX

Nico Keyes - IBM Product Management Academy

Leading a discussion on how UX researchers can be a product leader’s greatest ally at IBM Product Management Academy in Armonk, NY

Teaching Advanced Design Thinking + User Research to graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin

Facilitating a team workshop at IBM in Austin, TX

Nico Keyes - Modernism, Inc

NYC premiere of Modernism, Inc featuring IBM’s GM of Design, Katrina Alcorn

Audience (+ workshop participants) at the session I led on how to turn problems into possibilities with Design Thinking @ the 2023 Texas Library Conference

Contextual inquiry with a NATIVE guest in Austin, Texas

Site visit to better understand our target users (System Administrators)

Final playback prep with Delicia Li and Katy Oldfield

Nicole Keyes

IBM Design HQ in Austin, Texas

Hashing it out at the IBM Design HQ in Austin, TX

Having fun at IBM

I led a session on how to turn problems into possibilities with Design Thinking @ the 2023 Texas Library Conference

 

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