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
"The health of our planet directly influences our health and survival."
Alex Hurworth Bonnie John Fahd Arshad Antoine MarinDesigning a Contact Tracing App for Universal Access
October 23, 2020
"These brand new practitioners can bring fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking to hopefully see current problems in a new light."
Laine Riley Prokay Lisa GordonCarving a Path for Early Career DesignOps Practitioners
September 9, 2022
"People were very adverse to changes because a small 0.5% conversion increase meant millions in revenue."
Eniola OluwoleLessons From the DesignOps Journey of the World's Largest Travel Site
October 24, 2019
"Tell tight, brief stories of insights focused on impact, not on how you conducted your research."
Nathan ShedroffDouble Your Mileage: Use Your Research Strategically
March 31, 2020
"Voice control on mobile goes beyond digital assistants and can fully control the device for users who cannot use touch."
Sam ProulxMobile Accessibility: Why Moving Accessibility Beyond the Desktop is Critical in a Mobile-first World
November 17, 2022
"You need clear roles for moderators, note takers, recruiters, and designers in a rapid research program."
Feleesha SterlingBuilding a Rapid Research Program (Videoconference)
May 18, 2023
"Brand and product become two sides of the same coin when user insights have a seat at the top table."
Neil BarrieWidening the Aperture: The Case for Taking a Broader Lens to the Dialogue between Products and Culture
March 25, 2024
"The real question is what is it about delivering the value of design at scale."
John DevanneyThe Design Management Office
November 6, 2017
"Find the curious partners who will do some of the evangelizing for you to their peers."
Katy MogalBut Do Your Insights Scale?
March 12, 2021