UX Research Internship
UX Researcher
Role
Timeline
8 Months
Laura Cozart, Senior UXR Manager
Robert Hamburger, UXR Manager
Ezinne Ifi, UXR Intern
UXR Team
As a UX researcher intern at CNN, I worked with the Data Analytics and Research Testing (DART) team on small and large scale projects. Given the confidential nature of these projects, I am unable to delve into specific details. However, I will highlight two primary projects that I was involved in.
Summary
The Digital Magic Wall consisted of creating a concept survey to understand how well design concepts resonated with the CNN audience. We identified app and map features of most and least importance to audiences. At the end of this phase, I was able to present the research findings alongside my manager, Robert Hamburger, to key stakeholders at CNN. Another key component of the project consisted of developing an easy to use mobile usability lab that the CNN Product team could take to the 2024 Democratic National Convention for guerrilla testing.
CNN’s Digital Magic Wall is now live!
Election 2024: Digital Magic Wall
Concept Results Deck that I presented to key stakeholders at CNN
CNN Community Panel Relaunch
The second project, CNN Community Panel Relaunch, consisted of developing and identifying effective strategies to recruit and maintain a diverse and younger membership in the CNN Community Panel. There were two phases: An unbranded Survey and 5 IDI’s (in-depth interviews). The survey was programmed in UserZoom and fielded to User Interviews panelists who were between the ages of 18-39. The IDI’s were conducted in User Zoom and each interview was 30 minutes. I also created a highlight video that consisted of key insights from the participants. At the end of this project, I presented the Panel Relaunch Deck to the CNN DART team.
Community Panel Relaunch Deck that I presented to the CNN DART team
You have a seat at the table. At first, I felt as though I could not speak up in meetings because I was just an “intern”. But, I was completely wrong. Collaboration and transparency is key if you want to deliver a successful product. I gained confidence in my research capabilities and was not afraid to admit when I did not know something. In one of my meetings with other product teams, I suggested a different perspective, and the team ended up going with my recommendations.
Stay inquisitive. Stay open to new knowledge, whether it’s about emerging research methodologies, design trends, or user behavior patterns. I started reading books more relating to UXR and UXD and attending webinars that the company offered. I also started asking “why” more often. I got in the habit of questioning everything—why users behave a certain way, why a design solution works, or why a particular method is used.
Network and Be Yourself. As I became more involved with the CNN DART team, I started setting up 1-on-1 coffee chats with people I found intriguing. I was lucky to be able to talk with a variety of people, from other interns to staff product designers. I wanted to get their advice on how to improve my visual design skills, business sense, UX research skills, and how to plan my career path. What I found is that people actually enjoyed talking about their journeys and giving advice. Some designers even offered to review my portfolio and have regular coffee chats.
What I learned as a UX Researcher @ CNN
Below are some photos of me at the Warner Bros. Techwood Campus in Atlanta!
My first day at Warner Bros.
Production Room
NBA Production Room
My co-intern and I
Due to privacy concerns, I can't share this work in it's entirety publicly. If you would like to see my work in more detail please feel free to email me!