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

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