How AI is Transforming UX Research – Insights from Kim Feenstra Kuiper, S5, Ep. 7

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Feenstra Kuiper, a senior UX researcher at King. With a background in AI and human-computer interaction, she has led impactful research at companies like Spotify and GoodNotes. Passionate about storytelling and mentorship, she empowers teams to create user-centered, meaningful designs. Discussion points - ~ Tell us about your journey into UX research. 1:51 ~ Do you think the key difference between these worlds is the focus on logic versus human impact? 6:22 ~ How did you land roles at major companies like Spotify, King, and GoodNotes? 8:13 ~Do you think a strong portfolio matters more, or is it all about how you handle the interview? 10:53 ~ Rapid fire round 15:51 ~ How does working on widely used products, like Candy Crush or Spotify, impact the research process? 26:48 Show notes - ~ I never had a big goal of working at a major company. I just kept building my skills, taking opportunities as they came, and growing my network. ~ Foundational research helps teams shape new products, validate ideas, and inspire innovation—it's about asking 'why' before jumping to 'what' and 'how'. ~ A good UX research portfolio isn’t just about showcasing work; it’s about communicating impact in a way that both recruiters and hiring managers understand. ~ Working on a widely used product means every research decision carries weight—you're not just solving for one group, but for millions of diverse users. ~ The hardest part about breaking into UX research isn’t just skill—it’s networking, being in the right place, and finding people who can open doors for you. ~ I love seeing messy sketches and raw research notes in portfolios—real work isn’t polished, and that’s what makes it authentic and valuable. Links - www.linkedin.com/in/kimfeenstrakuiper www.careers.king.com