2025-10-15 –, Hall 2
User research is evolving, and its future has never been more exciting—or more critical. As organisations adapt to rapid changes in technology, expectations, and ways of working, the role of user research is being redefined. This talk will explore how researchers, designers, product managers, and leaders can embrace the opportunities shaping this future while navigating the challenges ahead.
A key focus will be the transformative impact of AI - how it’s transforming at-scale tasks like data analysis while reinforcing the need for human expertise to deliver depth.
Drawing on professional experience and real stories from the research community, we will reflect on how research is becoming more collaborative, connected, and essential. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, working across teams, or developing new skills, the future of user research depends on our ability to grow with it.
Hi, I'm Rob, founder of UX & Insights consultancy Playbook Research (www.playbook-research.com).
I‘ve built and led UX teams and insights organisations for the past 18 years. That‘s more than a dog life dedicated to understanding customers, working in-house at tech corporations like Nokia, SoundCloud, Zalando and Spotify, helping them to develop and strengthen their customer centricity.
My journey has equipped me with experience that I’m eager to scale up, ensuring that technology and innovation work for us in ways that are good for the bottom line, great for people, and protective of the planet we share.
I'm passionate about helping startups and established companies thrive through deep user understanding. When you truly know and understand your customers, you can offer them truly useful and desirable solutions.
I’m also here to coach user research and design professionals, maximising