What You Might Want To Know

What’s your approach to UX research?

I treat research as a product function, not a support role. My approach is layered: start lean, go deep where it matters, and always tie insights back to product and business goals. Whether I’m guiding early discovery or diagnosing usability debt, I focus on surfacing what blocks momentum and what unlocks it.

What types of research methods do you use most?

I use a mix of interviews, surveys, usability tests, contextual inquiries, focus groups, and diary studies, plus competitive analysis. When user access is limited, I lean on internal data and secondary research. The method should match the moment, with the goal of reducing uncertainty and building alignment.

What’s your typical research process from start to finish?

I begin by clarifying the core business and user questions—often reframing stakeholder assumptions into sharper goals. Then I select the right method, run the study, and synthesize findings quickly. I distill patterns into themes and recommendations, then work with product and design to decide what to fix, what to build, or what to test next.

How do you make sure your research impacts the product?

Impact starts with being embedded. I align with PMs, designers, and marketing early, shape strategy with evidence, and present findings in actionable, no-fluff formats: sprint recaps, decision-focused slides, or even Jira-ready tickets. I don't stop at insights. I follow through to make sure they become real product decisions.

How do you make research accessible to the whole company?

I build systems so findings don't live in one person's head or one slide deck. At Fabric, that meant a research repository covering both Insurance and Financial Services, bringing CS insights into it, and building a custom GPT on top of it so anyone could get answers without waiting on me.

How do you approach designing something new?

I start by understanding the problem. Who's it for? What are they struggling with? Once I know that, I sketch out flows or quick wireframes to test ideas and get early feedback. I bring the same structure and curiosity I use in research into my design process.

How do you collaborate with designers as a researcher?

Honestly, that line often blurs. I've worked side-by-side with designers — from shaping early concepts to wireframing solutions together. I bring the user lens, but I also contribute to design critiques, iterations, and interaction ideas.

What kind of design work are you most excited about?

Projects where good UX actually makes things easier — especially in complex spaces like AI, fintech, or ops. I love turning dense flows into simple, usable experiences. Design doesn't need to be flashing; it needs to feel obvious.

Who do you work with, and how?

Across product, design, marketing, CS, and leadership. I tailor what I deliver to each audience: product and design get usability findings and priorities, marketing gets user lifecycle and messaging insights, and leadership gets the business case. The goal is to answer the problems each team is actually working on.

If you weren’t in UX, what would you be doing?

Two things, honestly. I’d be a tour guide—planning trips, showing people around, and making sure they have an unforgettable experience. Or I’d be a full-time investor, spotting patterns in the market and using insight, not instinct, to make high-leverage decisions. Both paths are about strategy, trust, and people.

SOME CONTEXT

How do you start a research function from scratch?

I start with the basics people overlook: a folder structure that makes sense, templates for research plans, a recruitment pipeline, participant incentives, and the right testing tools. Then I run studies on top of that foundation. I've done this as the only researcher at AppGrooves and Fabric, so I know how to get useful research out the door quickly.

What kind of research work are you most excited about?

Complex spaces where clarity changes outcomes, like AI, fintech, and insurance. I love taking a messy problem, such as why customers leave or what makes someone ready to invest, and turning it into a clear picture a team can act on.

What makes you different from other researchers?

I bring both the craft and the operations. I can zoom in to surface user insights and zoom out to shape product and business direction. I've built research ops from scratch, brought customer data into one place, and helped teams make faster decisions, not just learn more.

"Johann is nothing short of incredible. He proved himself to be an invaluable colleague—not just because of his deep knowledge of user experience research, but because he's just great to be around.

Marianna Caparelli, Former colleague at Spruce, Product Designer

What It's Like To Work With Me

STRAIGHT FROM THE TEAM

"Johann made a significant impact on our AI research efforts at Sprinklr, pioneering innovative solutions to our most challenging UX obstacles. His contributions directly influenced product roadmaps."

Nadiah Fry, Former colleague at Sprinklr, UX Researcher

"Johann embodies the essential qualities of passion, drive, and empathy. He quickly grasps complex concepts, adapts fast, and consistently delivers exceptional work."

Corie Wilson, Former colleague at Sprinklr, UX Researcher

"Johann is an exceptional UX Researcher. He quickly engrained himself into our team, delivered thoughtful reports, and helped show the value of UX Research and Design across the company."

Emily Derfler, Former colleague at Spruce, Product Manager

"Johann consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of user experience research and delivered high-quality insights that drove meaningful change within the entire organization."

Tyler Clark, Former colleague at Spruce Holdings, Design Manager

"Johann’s empathetic approach created a comforting space for users to share honest feedback. His insights helped drive product growth and bridge the gap between user and business goals."

Kyle Garzia, Former colleague at AppGrooves, Lead Product Designer