Liz Olson

About Liz Olson

I’m a Design Researcher and Anthropologist who builds research programs that change product direction. I partner with PM, Design, and Eng to clarify the problem space, run mixed-methods studies, and tell crisp stories that drive decisions.Recent work: marketplace seller experiences, international omnichannel journeys, and reusable research templates that speed delivery and raise quality.I love mentoring researchers and facilitating cross-functional alignment. If a problem is fuzzy, I’ll make it legible and actionable.I am formerly an Associate Professor of Anthropology, so I bring a unique blend of teaching, leadership, and research expertise to my work. Whether leading UX initiatives for global brands, conducting ethnographic studies in rural communities, or mentoring teams on research methodologies, my approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to understanding and addressing real human needs. Specialties- Leading mixed-method UX research projects (end-to-end)- Combining qualitative and quantitative insights for actionable strategies - Translating complex findings into user-friendly product innovations - Designing and facilitating workshops to empower teams (Design Thinking)- Data visualization and storytelling Tools & Methods- Usability testing, ethnography, surveys, diary studies, and journey mapping - Advanced statistical techniques (e.g, regression, ANOVA)- Platforms like Qualtrics, UserTesting, and Jira

Experience

1. Sr Design Researcher

   Walmart

   Aug 2025 — Present

   Lead research for OmniServices as the only Design Researcher in the space; accountable for end-to-end research strategy, intake, scoping, prioritization, roadmapping, delivery, and impact reporting- Own end-to-end UX research for Walmart Marketplace sellers and collectors, shaping MVP and roadmap for high-GMV seller cohorts rather than one-off features- Lead research for a high-priority international AI shopping product launch, reframing the problem space, aligning Product, Design, Data Science, and Intl eComm, and defining success metrics- Build reusable research plans and exec-ready readout templates adopted across Marketplace, increasing consistency and decision velocity- Co-led Design Research Office Hours, unblocking peers and providing de facto people leadership during org transitions.

Education

• University of Utah

  Honors Bachelor of Arts

• Case Western Reserve University

  PhD