Navigating the Path to UX

Amanda Jackey, M.A., UX Research Associate 

I always knew I wanted to do something in psychology, but I wasn’t sure of what career field I wanted to pursue. Towards the end of my college career, I discovered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the applied form of behavior analysis used to produce observable changes in behavior. The science of behavior analysis and its ability to shape human behavior fascinated me so deeply that I knew almost immediately I wanted to pursue this as a career. Although ABA practitioners overwhelmingly specialize in utilizing science to create behavioral interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities, ABA is also used in a range of other areas. ABA is also called behavioral engineering, which uses an applied form of behavior analysis to identify issues associated with technology and human operators in a system.  
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I continued my education by receiving a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. While in my last semester of my master’s program, I was enrolled in a class that focused on using ABA with technology. The course was so interesting, and I knew that this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my career. I searched for roles where I could apply behavior analysis techniques to technology, and I discovered UX Research. Somehow, throughout my education, no one mentioned this field to me, and I never once heard of this job title! 

After self-teaching with the plethora of information available online, from books to YouTube videos and individual courses to conferences, I absorbed all that I could on UX Research, but I knew I needed to apply my new skills in a practical setting. My journey led me to End to End User Research, where I have been able to receive continuous mentorship while learning hands-on skills that you just cannot be taught from an online course. My plan is to continue my career within UX and Market Research while applying all of the acquired skills that I have learned along the way. I have learned that UX Researchers continuously come from various roles and backgrounds, and that is another reason I love the field; having different perspectives is vital for developing accessible products that work for everyone.