Smooth Transition to Agile 

A UX Researcher’s Guide to Change Without the Overwhelm

Do you remember when you first started going to the gym, changed your diet, or even took a different route to work? Did things take longer than expected? Were there surprises—both good and bad?

Change is exciting, but it’s not always easy. It takes time, and as humans, we tend to rush the process. But those who stay patient and trust in the power of small steps won’t be disappointed.

The same applies in the workplace. Many teams aspire to be more agile but struggle to integrate UX research into their existing processes. This is understandable. People have invested time and effort into their current frameworks, and change can feel more like a disruption than an improvement.

The key isn’t to force a new process overnight—it’s to listen, adapt, and demonstrate impact over time.

Step 1: Start With the Right Questions


  • Before diving into research, take the time to ask your stakeholders: How do you imagine UX can help you? Starting with their perspective shows respect for their work and allows you to tailor your work to their needs.

  • Introduce UX in a way that answers their questions, rather than overwhelming them with theory.

  • Be patient and kind—change takes time, and stakeholders need to see the impact of UX organically. Stick to your process, and they will recognize its value.


Step 2: Run a UX Onboarding Workshop

I built this step by step process with stakeholders

A well-designed onboarding workshop can lay the foundation for an accessible UX strategy. The goal isn’t just to educate—it’s to collaborate.

  • Begin with a case study to demonstrate how UX research works end-to-end.

  • Work with stakeholders to map out their own version of the Double Diamond—this makes it tangible and relevant to their work. Show them where the project currently sits in the process and how UX can support them.

  • Use surveys after the workshop to gather feedback on what resonated, what needs improvement, and what felt new. Their responses will help refine future workshops and provide language that makes UX easier to explain internally.

Step 3: Align

  • Identify key stakeholders and their preferred communication styles. Work within existing systems (like Jira, Teams, Confluence) to improve visibility.

  • Define together objectives, KPIs, and main research questions. Document existing evidence and assumptions. Implement a Research Canvas for every project

  • Align UX Roadmap with stakeholder roadmaps, then outline a research plan that clearly states when and what will be delivered

Step 4: Connect UX Research with Data for Maximum Impact

Stakeholders respond best when research findings are linked to measurable outcomes. This is where collaboration with data analysts becomes essential.

  • Gather product performance and engagement data to support UX insights —teams often work in silos, so bridging this gap strengthens UX research credibility.

  • Always aim to combine quantitative with qualitative insights.

  • When presenting findings, combine these data on the same page to make recommendations more compelling.

Step 5: Continuously collect Feedback

Show that UX isn’t about taking away their work—it’s about offering a framework that enhances it.

Building trust isn’t just about showing impact—it’s about adapting based on feedback.

  • Schedule regular check-ins with different teams to understand how UX research fits into their workflow.

  • Use stakeholder feedback to refine research processes. During my work I sat down with stakeholders, listened to their concerns, and made changes based on their input. As a result, they began actively using agile templates and incorporating research insights into their own work.

Finally, don't forget to have fun!

Embracing change can be challenging, but it’s also an exciting time in a team’s journey. It’s when big conversations happen, when empathy is practiced amidst diverse opinions, and when we come together to find better ways of working.

At the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to do our best. And while Agile helps keep the lights on, it also gives us a shared language, a mindset for growth, and the ability to truly listen and adapt together.

So, let's cherish this transformative period, support one another, and enjoy the process of becoming a more agile and cohesive team.