Classes that prepared Linh for success

I’m an international student, coming from Hanoi, Vietnam. I have been working for CRUX (Center for Research in User Experience) for a year and a half now. I actually did not take any prior classes related to UX before joining the lab! I did have some research experience beforehand, and that might have been a strength that landed me the role. At the time I joined the lab, though, I was taking IMS 314 (Game Usability and Human Factors) and the semester after that, I took IMS 415 (Advanced Usability and User Experience). Even though I did not take these classes beforehand, taking them along the way definitely strengthened my skills and gave me the necessary knowledge to run studies and assist other students with their studies. Dr. James Coyle is also a fantastic mentor, and has been teaching me so many things along the way!

Why is User Experience (UX) so important?

I think UX is a fantastic blend of technology, human factors, and research. I have always been intrigued by the psychology behind user experience and user testing - how developers came up with solutions that feel intuitive and seamless to users. I came in with a lot of experience “making” the product rather than being on the side of “testing” or understanding how people actually interact with it. That curiosity to bridge the gap between design and human behavior is what drew me to UX. I wanted to understand not just how to build something, but why people use it the way they do and how thoughtful design can make that experience more meaningful and efficient.

Professional technology that sets the CRUX lab apart

I have the opportunity to work with biosensors like Eye trackers, Facial Expression Analysis and Galvanic Skin Response through a software called iMotions. These technologies allow us to capture participants’ unconscious behaviors and physiological responses - data that’s often less biased than traditional self-reported feedback.

Client work sets students up with powerful portfolios

A big part of my job is to assist internal clients - who are students coming from various departments within Miami. It is always exciting to see what they are coming into the lab with, since everyone has their own unique projects and studies - no one thing is like another. As a lab assistant, I always love sitting down with my clients and chatting with them about their projects, what are the results that they are looking for, and how they want to run their studies.

Data-driven results from UX research

My job is to deliver aggregated data to my clients. These can be heatmaps, gaze-path aggregation, AOIs (Areas of Interest) analysis, or recordings. Depending on the client’s need, we are able to export different forms of data aggregation.

UX research sets students up with career-focused skills

Working at the lab has helped me improve not only my technical research skills but also my soft skills. I learned professional communication and time management, as well as familiarizing myself with different UX and data analysis methodologies. These are all incredibly valuable skills that I’m taking with me to grad school, and into my future career - wherever I might end up at.

How UX can lead to opportunities

Opportunities are everywhere! I remembered seeing the email that the ETBD department sent out promoting this role, and I got my cover letter and resume sent to Dr Coyle within half an hour. I was hesitating for a second since I had no previous experience or coursework related to UX, but I figured that there is no harm in trying anyways. That decision landed me a lab assistant role in CRUX, and also opened my door to many other opportunities: just last month, I accompanied Dr Coyle to the Atlantic Marketing Association Conference in Maine where we presented our research and was awarded “Best Abstract” in our track. It was the first time I’ve ever presented my work within a conference setting, and it would have not been possible without my role at the lab. My biggest advice is to believe in yourself and constantly put yourself out there! The skills that you have currently might be perfect for a completely unexpected opportunity. And once you see something you are interested in, dive in head first - that one listing can completely change your future plans!