UX Researcher Job at Character.AI in Menlo Park

As a UX Researcher at Character.AI, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with product and business stakeholders to identify urgent research topics, designing and executing various primary research methods such as usability testing and surveys, analyzing data to translate findings into actionable insights, and effectively communicating these findings to stakeholders and executives. You’ll also champion user research best practices and mentor fellow researchers.

To apply for the UX Researcher position at Character.AI, you should have a Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience in user experience or a related field, or an advanced degree with 8+ years of experience. Additionally, having 7+ years in a senior role leading user research for consumer products, along with comfort in ambiguous situations, experience with statistical analysis, and proficiency in design tools, are essential qualifications.

The ideal candidate for the UX Researcher role at Character.AI is someone who possesses not only extensive experience in UX research but also a passion for human-centric design. You should be skilled in a variety of research methods, comfortable with ambiguity, and able to communicate findings clearly. Experience in social media or consumer apps, familiarity with user testing tools, and coding knowledge will also set the ideal candidate apart.

At Character.AI, a user-centered design culture means prioritizing the needs and experiences of our users in every aspect of our product development. As a UX Researcher, you’ll help establish this culture by implementing best practices in research and advocating for users throughout the product lifecycle. You will ensure that everyone on the team understands and values the importance of human-centric design principles.

The work environment for a UX Researcher at Character.AI is collaborative and fast-paced, reflecting our startup culture. You'll work alongside talented product teams and cross-functional stakeholders, consistently tackling new challenges in a dynamic setting. Character.AI values diverse perspectives and champions innovation, making it an exciting place for those passionate about user experiences.

When discussing methodologies for UX research, focus on your versatility and experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Highlight examples of usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, or ethnographic research you've conducted and employ a rationale for why each was suitable for addressing the specific user needs.

You can explain your approach to prioritizing research topics at Character.AI by outlining your process for collaborating with product and business stakeholders. Discuss how you consider factors like user needs, business objectives, and the potential impact of your research to determine which topics deserve immediate attention.

When answering this question, share a specific example where your research findings led to actionable recommendations that altered a product’s direction. Detail the research methods used and the changes made, emphasizing how they benefited both users and the company.

For this question, showcase your ability to simplify complex data by using visualizations, storytelling, and analogies to make findings accessible. Provide a relevant example, emphasizing the importance of tailoring your presentation to your audience's knowledge level.

In your response, mention relevant statistical software you're familiar with and examples of methods like regressions or T-Tests that you've applied. Describe how you interpret results to inform design decisions while reiterating your ability to communicate these findings effectively.

Discuss how you regularly gather and analyze user feedback and how you ensure this feedback is integrated into the iterative design process. Mention tools or frameworks that you find useful in doing this effectively, demonstrating your commitment to user-centered design principles.

Share anecdotes that highlight your adaptability and ability to thrive in a startup atmosphere, particularly with respect to innovating or scaling research practices. Mention specific challenges faced and how you successfully navigated them.

Discuss the importance of mentoring in building a strong research culture and how you've approached mentoring fellow researchers or cross-functional partners. Provide an example of a successful mentorship experience and the positive outcomes that followed.

Explain your strategies for keeping up with UX research trends, such as following industry blogs, attending conferences, or participating in forums. This shows interviewers that you are proactive about your professional development.

When prompted about user testing tools, elaborate on the platforms you've used, such as usertesting.com, and discuss specific functionalities you’ve leveraged. Share examples of tests you've conducted and insights gained from those experiences.