We believe that:
Expert UX research provides the data needed for informed designs and more effective conversations.
UX Research is at the heart of creating experiences that are useful, valued, and elegant.
Creating a truly great product or service is not the result of chance or luck but is instead informed by evidence grounded in trusted UX research practices.
Leadership
We are a HUB Certified consultancy, founded in 2006 by two UX research pioneers with a combined 40 years of industry experience.
Jon-Eric Steinbomer, Principal UX Researcher & Co-Founder
Jon-Eric has been a human-centric pioneer in the tech industry since 1999, conveying people's stories as a researcher and educator. As the co-founder of Progress, he's partnered with companies like Amazon, Google, Nissan, and Microsoft to build connections between those who develop technology and those who use it. He’s taught the UX Design Methods at General Assembly, lectured at the University of Texas iSchool, and provided individual research coaching sessions to those wishing to deepen their research skills.
In addition to his 20+ years of experience as a researcher and research director, he’s certified in or completed comprehensive training and practice with: Appreciative Inquiry, Hakomi Mindfulness-Centered Psychotherapy, and Spiral Dynamics, as well as a long-standing mindfulness practice.
Jessica Sears Steinbomer, Research Director & Co-Founder
Jessica is a seasoned entrepreneur, thought leader, and a skilled research practitioner. She leads workshops, trainings, and retreats in deep listening, personal resourcing, and work-life balance. Jessica is the lead author of the book: "The Heart of UX" - a curriculum designed to assist researchers in mastering the art and science of UX research, rooted in the neuroscience and practice of connection.
Jessica is currently an adjunct professor of research methods at the Information School, the University of Texas at Austin.
“We have had great success with Progress, you will learn a great deal and have fun at it too.”
“I enjoyed watching the remote sessions. A unique opportunity to watch our members interact with the products we’ve built. I really enjoyed working with everyone and I look forward to working with you guys again.”
Our book, The Heart of UX
This expanded second edition, authored by the founders of Progress UX, offers a fresh and innovative perspective on UX and qualitative research. Illuminating best practices derived from 20+ years of industry work as researchers with Fortune 500 companies, commingled with relevant instruction from emerging neuroscience, somatic psychology, and wisdom traditions, this book breaks new ground.
By the end of this book, you will understand:
How empathic connections enrich data collection, as well as overall research performance and outcomes.
Specific and reliable tools to elicit empathy.
A grounded, real-world perspective on performing UX research in diverse settings.
The origins of UX research, ethics in research, the fateful power of the question, and other philosophical underpinnings of the work.
How to implement UX research projects from start to finish.
Working at Progress
Positive. We work well together because we take time to connect and enjoy each other’s company. We especially like game nights, eating lunch together, and going to yoga.
Exciting. We work with some incredible clients and sometimes get sneak peaks of products before they are released to the public. Each project comes with new challenges and new connections to be made.
Dynamic. We take on many roles. Sometimes we are project managers, sometimes researchers, sometimes video editors. Always, we are learning.
Healthy. We take breaks to stretch, run up and down the stairs, bounce on yoga balls, and take walks in the sunshine. We support each other in balancing work with life.
Impactful. In our small team, each member makes a huge difference. We pursue our individual interests in new clients, new methods, new ideas--anything large or small--and discuss it with the group. Each member helps co-create the company’s future.
Join Our Team!
If you are interested in working at Progress, please reach out to us at business@experienceprogress.com with any questions or to submit your cover letter and resume.
To learn more or to discuss your research project needs - please get in touch!