How improv theatre and UX research coexist perfectly

Helena Jes Starzak
Mar 4, 2024
2 min read

Yesterday I performed improv in front of a crowd for the first time!

I started attending Improv Comedy Copenhagen | ICC Theatre in August after reading that it could benefit my skills as a UX Researcher, not thinking I would continue after the intro course, let alone stand on stage. But boy, am I happy that I continued! 🎭

So, how does this collaborate with UX Research? 🔎

1. Holistic point of view

While doing improv, there are a lot of details and patterns you must notice and remember said by your fellow team members that will work to your advantage once you get on stage. It requires active listening and seeing the bigger picture. While interviewing participants, I know that if I do not actually listen to what is said, then many insights will go on notice. When analysing the data collected, it is not the job of UX to necessarily cover all problems, but rather the main ones, which require observing themes throughout with a holistic mindset. 👂

2. Time management

Time management is also a key skill in UX, where it is important to update other team departments during sprints to ensure the development of the product includes your findings. ⏲ During improv many scenes are short, so it is important to cover the relationship of the characters, the place their at and what they engage in quickly (who, where & what). It is also a valuable skill when presenting insights to designers and developers quickly and persuasively. 📊

3. Collaboration

You learn to be better at collaborating, communicating and being a loyal partner. During my time as a UX Researcher I have often collaborated with different stakeholders, updated other team members and communicated with event coordinators. Improv teaches you to work together in a group and help each other rather than bail.

Overall, these skills mentioned can serve anyone at any place or time during their life. Am looking forward to starting my fourth module from next week!