Lauren Kiesel

About Lauren Kiesel

I\'m a human insights researcher (UX/CX) with foundations in applied psychology research & design thinking. I pair my strategic research toolkit and an eye for cognitive design (how to design in ways that work best with how humans process information) to uncover user needs and find ways to make technology work better for them.I\'ve worked in technology, e-commerce, ed-tech, non-profit, food, and travel industries and have a demonstrated history of impactful results and excellent collaboration with stakeholders and clients.

Experience

1. Senior User Experience Researcher

   Consumer Reports

   Jul 2022 — Present · NY, US

   I lead and conduct consumer and user research that shapes the CR product - primarily its digital experiences - including its website, 3 mobile apps, and brand licensing. My work also informs product strategy and marketing. I co-run a democratization program where we support non-researchers in understanding and sometimes conducting user research.My work includes:· Exploratory and evaluative research· Satisfaction tracking· Design research· 0-1 product development· 1-2 product developmentA few highlights include:· Informed development of CR\'s new Cars Safety Verdict program, which has lifted orders +150 YoY.· My Usabilla/GetFeedback analyses, particularly for our AI tool called AskCR, have led to improving the tool\'s accuracy, as well as the early detection and fixing of critical bugs and customer support issues.· Informed changes to the Cars research page experience on CR.org that led to +39% conversions YoY.· Uncover critical insights around how consumers research before buying, which have and continue to inform strategic and tactical decisions.· Informed and supported new marketing and product development strategy for CR App and new acquisitions.· Lead a democratization program and training over a dozen designers and some product managers to increase research competence and aid in speed of insight delivery.

Education

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Certificate in Sustainable Food and Farming

  2015 — 2016

• Harvard University

  Study Abroad at the University of Trento, Italy, Mind/Brain/Behavior Program

  2013 — 2013

• Teachers College, Columbia University

  Master of Arts, Cognitive Science in Education

  2017 — 2019

• Binghamton University

  Bachelor of Science, Integrative Neuroscience

  2010 — 2014