My Journey to UX Research

Michael Pickett, UX Researcher

My interest in user experience (UX) research began during my undergraduate studies at Wichita State University. Initially, I was undecided on a specific career path, but I ultimately chose psychology as my major. Many of my instructors were graduate students in the Human Factors program, which ignited my curiosity in this field. This led me to enroll in an introductory Human Factors course, which solidified my interest. To gain practical experience, I joined a research lab that utilized driving simulators to investigate the effects of texting and driving. 

After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a certificate in Human Factors Psychology at Wichita State University, I sought to further my education in UX research. The Master's program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) perfectly aligned with my goals. Once accepted, I relocated to Houston to pursue the program. 

The coursework at UHCL provided a comprehensive introduction to UX research. I was particularly drawn to its real-world application, as it directly impacts the design of products and services that we use daily. This piqued my interest in being part of this impactful process. During a guest lecture in my User-Centered Design course, End To End User Research’s Christy Harper delivered an engaging presentation. Inspired by her articulation of the company's mission and values, I pursued an internship opportunity at End To End.​

After starting an internship with End To End, I knew that I made the right choice. The rewarding nature of the work confirmed my desire to pursue this path. I found myself particularly drawn to the intersection of UX research and technology, relishing the opportunity to contribute to creating user-friendly technological solutions. Having personally encountered technology frustrations myself, I derive immense satisfaction from being part of the solution and alleviating these common challenges. 

End To End User Research provided an exceptional mentorship experience, and now a professional work experience continues to cultivate my professional growth and leadership aspirations. I'm particularly interested in transitioning to a management role, where I can empower junior researchers and interns to leverage their expertise and research skills to their full potential. ​