Practicing Learners and Learning Practitioners
Summary
A situated practice for training, transforming and leveling up UX researchers in Latin America. I was frustrated with my efforts training new UX researchers. Hours spent on presenting theories, methods, analyzing them, and timidly practicing knowledge did not necessarily translate into the successful implementation of that knowledge in the practice. In the last two years, moving away from traditional learning, we have been designing, implementing, and analyzing a professional training strategy for UX researchers in Mexico and in Latin America. Our approach balances: Training professionals without previous experience on UX research, our Practicing Learners path. Training professionals with two or more years of experience in UX design/research, our Learning Practitioners path.
Key Insights
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The distinction between ‘being’ a UX researcher and ‘becoming’ one is vital for understanding professional development as a continuous process.
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Formal university education in UX research across Latin America is limited, fragmented, and often insufficient for practical industry needs.
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Companies in Mexico and Latin America rarely offer entry-level UX research roles or internships, contributing to a training gap.
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Experientia’s free UX Researcher Apprentice Program combines foundational training with real client projects to provide practical experience.
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Their seminar programs, which charge tuition, attract professionals internationally and focus heavily on theory complemented by peer discussions.
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Applicants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, demonstrating UX research’s interdisciplinary nature.
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Learning ‘just in time’ while working on projects helps overcome the traditional notion that full knowledge must come before practice.
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Collaborative work methods, such as co-writing reports and co-moderating sessions, build team skills and simulate real UX research environments.
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Fighting perfectionism and delivering ‘good enough’ work on tight deadlines prepares apprentices for agile company environments.
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Building a strong community and alumni network keeps learners connected, encourages ongoing learning, and promotes regional professional recognition.
Notable Quotes
"Becoming a UX researcher is a process that will never end, not a fixed state you reach."
"Universities in Latin America are doing a very bad job providing practical UX research training."
"Our apprentice program is free and intense, combining foundational training with real-world projects over six months."
"We don’t limit applicants by their major or background; it doesn’t matter if they studied physics or marketing."
"Learning as you go is necessary; you won’t complete all your learning before completing a project."
"We emphasize collaboration, not individual work, to build teams and collective knowledge."
"We fight perfectionism by doing enough with the time we have, then shipping the work."
"Doing work in one-week cycles fits the rhythms of companies working with agile and Scrum frameworks."
"We want to contribute to UX research, not just copy what is done in the US or Europe."
"The question for hiring managers is how to move from expecting people to be UX researchers to inviting them to become UX researchers."
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