In this Anthro to UX podcast episode, Sonja Hodgson speaks with Matt Artz about her journey into UX research. Sonja shares her path from anthropology to UX research, highlighting the transferable skills from her anthropological background. She discusses her experiences in various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, market research, and her current position as a UX researcher at LexisNexis. Sonja emphasizes the value of anthropological methods in UX research and the importance of continuous learning in the field.

About Sonja Hodgson

Sonja Hodgson is a UX Researcher II at LexisNexis Legal, where she applies her expertise in applied anthropology to drive user-centric solutions in the legal technology sector. With a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, Sonja brings a unique perspective to her work in UX research. Her career spans various roles, including medical interpretation, program evaluation, and market research, before transitioning into UX research.

Key Takeaways

• Anthropologists already possess many of the essential skills needed for UX research, with UX terminology often being a new “language” to learn.
• Continuous skill development, including learning statistics and data analysis tools, is crucial for career growth in UX research.
• The integration of AI tools in UX research can significantly enhance efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
• Networking and affordable online courses can be valuable resources for those looking to break into UX research, especially during challenging job markets.

Key Moments

• 1:54 Journey from anthropology to UX research
• 5:57 Transition from market research to UX research at LexisNexis
• 13:48 Applying anthropological skills in UX research
• 19:47 Integrating AI tools in UX research processes
• 22:52 Developing additional skills for UX research, including statistics
• 26:36 Advice for breaking into UX research in a tough job market