Harini Karthik

About Harini Karthik

Red Dot Design Winner | 18 Years of Experience I Leading global UXR teams across continentsI am a UX Research Leader with 18+ years of experience across enterprise software, data security, B2C, eCommerce, hardware, telecom, and consulting. I currently lead global UX Research teams across India, Canada, and Ireland for IBM’s Data Security portfolio.I am experienced in building UX Research functions from the ground up, hiring and developing high-performing teams, establishing playbooks and operating models, and embedding research deeply into product and business decision-making. Over the last 8+ years, I have managed 20+ UX member teams, including first-line managers, within complex matrix UX organizations, helping scale both team and impact.I am a hands-on, no-nonsense leader, equally comfortable shaping strategy and driving execution. I work closely with Product, Engineering, and Design leadership to ensure research is practical, accountable, and aligned to real business outcomes- especially in complex, high-stakes enterprise environments.I am deeply invested in research communication and storytelling, using mechanisms such as Customer Engagement Programs, Customer Advisory Boards, Newsletters, Year-end Show & Tell, and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) to translate insights into clarity, alignment, and action.

Experience

1. Data Security - Ibm Software Labs

   IBM

   Jul 2024 — Present · Bangalore Urban, IN

   I currently lead UX Research for IBM’s Data Security portfolio, driving research strategy and execution across global teams in India, Canada, and Ireland. My role spans setting direction, building capability, and ensuring research directly influences product decisions in complex enterprise environments.I partner closely with Product and Engineering leadership as part of a triad model, defining user centered KPIs and aligning research priorities with business outcomes. A key focus of my work has been establishing and scaling foundational frameworks such as archetypes and Jobs to Be Done across multiple product missions, bringing consistency and shared understanding across the portfolio.Beyond delivery, I am responsible for building and operating a high performing research organization. This includes hiring and mentoring researchers, as well as creating playbooks, processes, and forums that scale research impact. I also drive cross team engagement through customer forums, co creation initiatives, and ongoing research communication.My focus at IBM is on making UX practical, accountable, and embedded as a core capability that shapes product strategy and delivers measurable value to customers and the business.

Education

• Dr. GRD College of Science

  BSc. Visual Communication, Electronic Media

  2003 — 2006

• University of Leeds, Leeds

  Master of Science (MSc), Design

• Indira School of Communication

  Post Graduate, Mass Communication (Film Making)

Skills

• Axure
• Omnigraffle
• Wireframes
• User Interface
• Usability Testing
• Mobile Applications
• Product Innovation
• Card Sorting
• A/B Testing
• Usability
• Research Design
• User Scenarios
• Experience Design
• Paper Prototyping
• Scenario Development
• Innovation Management
• Interaction Design
• User Experience Design
• Mockups
• Information Architecture
• Persona
• Heuristic Evaluation
• Rapid Prototyping
• Usability Engineering
• Information Design
• Innovation Research
• User Stories
• User Experience
• Participatory Design
• Focus Groups
• Design Thinking
• Wire Framing
• Storyboarding
• Ethnography
• Contextual Inquiry
• Information Visualization
• User Research
• Mobile Design
• Service Design
• Human Computer Interaction