Summary
Software companies love to talk about their shiny new features but very rarely we get to see the why or the principles behind some of their product decisions and how those decisions impact customer's outcomes. In this session, Sofia Quintero, founder of EnjoyHQ will share the philosophy behind EnjoyHQ as a research repository and why it matters.
Key Insights
-
•
Research repositories often fail because UX teams operate as silos with disconnected goals from the broader organization.
-
•
Avoiding folder-based nested structures and instead using flat data models scales better and improves searchability.
-
•
Data entry is the enemy; automations and integrations are crucial to reduce manual input and increase repository adoption.
-
•
Cross-functional collaboration drives successful research workflows; repositories must serve multiple departments beyond just UX.
-
•
Building a repository platform requires balancing business growth and truly benefiting researchers without exploiting attention metrics.
-
•
Supporting modular, fluid research workflows rather than rigid project structures better reflects real-world research practice.
-
•
Openness to integrate best-of-breed tools respects diverse user preferences and avoids the trap of trying to do everything internally.
-
•
Easy data export and migration capabilities prevent vendor lock-in and build customer trust, even if it risks losing users.
-
•
Research teams inevitably use multiple overlapping tools; repositories must accommodate this complexity rather than fight it.
-
•
The founder’s values directly influence product decisions to prioritize ethical design over short-term engagement metrics.
Notable Quotes
"I didn’t want to be part of hacking our attention just to fulfill certain engagement metrics."
"The research repository should never become another silo inside the organization."
"Data entry is the enemy when it comes to sustaining a successful research repository."
"We say no to folders because nested structures don’t scale and they make it hard to find information."
"Research is messy and fluid; your tools should support modular workflows that evolve over time."
"We want to help researchers do exactly what they want, respecting their time and goals."
"We build integrations so teams can bring their data in and share it seamlessly across functions."
"We prioritize easy data export even though it might make it easier for customers to leave us."
"Every organization uses a combination of overlapping tools, and repositories need to support that reality."
"Our product decisions are driven by clear values that put the researcher’s benefit above business growth pressures."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"We want teams to have autonomy and power to make pivot, shelve, and proceed decisions, not leadership dictating."
Standardizing Product Merits for Leaders, Designers, and Everyone
June 15, 2018
"Most strategy today is guesswork based on what others are doing, not based on situational awareness."
Simon WardleyMaps and Topographical Intelligence (Videoconference)
January 31, 2019
"White supremacy is the belief system of the superiority of whiteness that can embed itself in algorithms."
Sandra CamachoCreating More Bias-Proof Designs
January 22, 2025
"I felt on edge around Jeff and physically depleted after our interactions."
Darian DavisLessons from a Toxic Work Relationship
January 8, 2024
"Stakeholder communication is crucial to professional strategy because without it, we run the risk of activity without impact."
Fisayo Osilaja[Demo] The AI edge: From researcher to strategist
June 4, 2024
"Working with CEOs like Mark Templeton is like Dancing with the Stars — an interpretive dance of translating fuzzy ideas."
Uday GajendarThe Wicked Craft of Enterprise UX
May 13, 2015
"No official kickoff was held, which meant shifting expectations and lack of alignment."
Davis Neable Guy SegalHow to Drive a Design Project When you Don’t Have a Design Team
June 10, 2021
"TripAdvisor is really nine major business units each thinking like sub companies instead of one end-to-end user experience."
Eniola OluwoleLessons From the DesignOps Journey of the World's Largest Travel Site
October 24, 2019
"At Qubits, you can customize or copy standard design processes like Lean UX and add or remove activities easily."
Aurobinda Pradhan Shashank DeshpandeIntroduction to Collaborative DesignOps using Cubyts
September 9, 2022
