My UX Research Journey

I celebrated my first year at DigitalOcean this month and I would’ve never imagined that I’d be spending most of it working remotely. Regardless of the 2020 circumstances, I expanded my research toolkit significantly and continued to step out of my comfort zone by trying new things.

This Christmas season, that momentum pushed me to try something else new: editing and uploading a YouTube video. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at this, but was too caught up in thinking things had to be perfect. This all changed when I found Kelly Stamps on YouTube and realized that no-frills content can make for a meaningful, relatable delivery.

This video shares how I navigated my way into the UX research space. As a WOCIT, POCIT, and a first-gen college graduate, it was difficult to find role models that looked like me. That said, I dedicate this video to all the young Lauren Graces (yes, that’s my full first name) of the world who may need a reminder that they aren’t alone and that the model minority is a fallacy.

I would love to hear your comments or feedback on this video. If you enjoyed the video, please feel free to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I look forward sharing more in this new medium.