My First Month as a UX Researcher at a Creative Agency: 5 Key Takeaways

Starting a new role as a UX Researcher in a creative agency is an exciting mix of discovery and adaptation. During my first month at Photon, a digital agency with a vibrant and diverse team, I learned a lot, not just about the work but also about the dynamics of working across different clients and industries. Here are five key takeaways that stood out to me, and hopefully, they will provide some helpful insights for anyone new to the world of agency UX research.

1. The Creative Energy in a Digital Agency is Contagious

One of the first things I noticed at Photon is the energy that comes from working with a creative team across various sectors. UX designers, researchers, and creative directors collaborate on projects for a wide range of industries, and that diversity of experience means there’s always someone with deep knowledge of a specific field. This makes staying on top of industry-specific UX trends incredibly easy — knowledge is just a Slack ping away.

For anyone stepping into this type of environment, I’d suggest being proactive in building relationships across teams. Every conversation can offer a nugget of insight, and the variety of perspectives helps strengthen your research approaches.

2. Master Virtual Collaboration Tools — They’re Your Lifeline

In an agency setting, especially one as dynamic as Photon, you may work with multiple clients within a single year. My first client used Miro for tracking user research inventory, grouping projects by month. This was an eye-opener because it showed me how a single tool could be customized to suit each client’s unique needs. What really impressed me was Miro’s search functionality — it’s not just a tool to find reports, but to trace evolving patterns in research over time, giving context and relevance.

A word of advice: mastering these tools early on will give you an edge. Each client may have its own preferred way of working, and knowing how to use collaboration tools flexibly can save you time and help you adapt quickly to different project workflows.

3. Embracing Digital Transformation in the Jewelry Industry

My first project was with a luxury jewelry retailer that owned multiple brands and managed their online platforms. The UX team is focused on making online jewelry shopping as joyful and celebratory as the in-store experience. With AI advancing and users expecting highly personalized interactions, the stakes for creating seamless digital experiences are higher than ever. As a UX Researcher, it’s my job to untangle these complex user behaviors and find insights that can drive meaningful product changes.

If you’re working in industries that are undergoing digital transformations, it’s crucial to stay curious. Keep asking why users behave the way they do and how you can design experiences that not only meet their needs but exceed their expectations.

4. Playing the User: The Best Way to Start

One of the most memorable exercises from my first month was “playing the user.” I took on the role of a fashion jewelry buyer and documented my entire purchasing journey — from browsing to checkout. This process gave me a hands-on understanding of the product and its flow. More importantly, it allowed me to see the journey from a fresh perspective, uncovering both delights and frustrations.

Here’s something I learned that’s worth sharing: while playing the user can offer valuable insights, it’s important to frame it as a personal point of view rather than hard data. A former colleague from Google Labs once advised me to use these insights as conversation starters, not conclusions. This approach helped me build rapport with my team early on, as we discussed my findings and their relevance to the actual research data.

5. Onboarding is More Than Just Meetings — It’s Your Roadmap for Success

Onboarding at both the agency and the client included structured introductory conversations with various team members. My research manager provided a discussion guide that covered essential topics such as working style, feedback loops, and even vacation policies. These early conversations were critical in setting expectations and understanding how I could contribute effectively.

For those new to an agency or client-facing role, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to ask questions during onboarding. Think of it as your roadmap — these early interactions give you the lay of the land, from communication norms to performance expectations. Don’t hesitate to clarify details, especially around team dynamics and deliverables. These discussions will shape your work life for the months to come.

Final Thoughts: Stepping into the World of UX Research in an Agency

Reflecting on my first month, I can say that working in a creative agency like Photon is all about flexibility, curiosity, and collaboration. The fast-paced environment and variety of clients offer endless opportunities for learning, but they also require a solid grasp of tools, an understanding of diverse user needs, and the ability to adapt quickly.

For anyone entering the world of UX research in a creative agency, I hope these reflections help you navigate your first few days with confidence. Stay curious, build strong relationships, and embrace the diversity of experiences that will come your way.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss this further or if you’re also navigating your early days in UX research — I’d love to connect!

This blog was written with the help of ChatGPT, an AI tool that assisted in refining the content, offering suggestions for structure, and providing feedback to enhance clarity and engagement.