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Design Research & Strategy

Megan McMahon

Driving innovation through human-centered insights.

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Based in Richmond, Virginia

My Story

I connect decision makers and end users through data-driven storytelling.

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My Mission

I leverage design thinking experience to create inclusive, user-centered experiences. I strive to uncover deep, actionable insights through rigorous research methodologies, ensuring that every decision is informed by a thorough understanding of users' diverse needs, abilities, and experiences.

Services

User-Centered Design, Data-Driven Decisions

I bridge the gap between users and product teams, transforming complex user needs into actionable insights that drive innovation and strategic decision-making.

Generative Research

I specialize in a range of UX research methods to uncover valuable insights, including user interviews, diary studies, and field research.

people working on laptops with wireframe print outs

Experience Strategy

I bring insights to life through synthesis and reporting, using narrative storytelling to create compelling journey maps and personas.

wireframes laptops and mobile device on table

Evaluative Testing

I use both qualitative and quantitative evaluative methods, such as digital surveys, usability testing, and analytics, to ensure products meet user needs.

collaboration discussion of wireframes

Portfolio

Recent work

All work Healthcare Ecommerce

Have a project in mind?

Contact me

My Approach

How do I create impact?

Stay curious.

Interrogate assumptions, consider all perspectives, and invite questions.

Create insights that endure.

Practice with rigor that will create learnings that persist beyond the scope of the immediate project.

Influence action.

Begin with the end in mind, and align the study design to key questions each step of the way.

What my team says

Megan's rigorous research skills and meticulous approach are deeply valued throughout our organization, from product managers on the ground to our executive teams. Megan’s foresight into business dynamics and user psychology is truly unparalleled.

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Chiaki Osaka
Director of Product, Mercari US

Megan's adaptability in presenting research findings is remarkable. Whether addressing the CEO or an individual product manager, she tailored her presentations to effectively communicate insights and drive action. Her ability to translate complex research into clear recommendations was crucial in our decision-making processes.

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Carlo Besozzi
Senior Director of UX & Brand, Mercari US

Megan continually raises the bar when it comes to research and operational excellence. She is not only a leader but a consummate team player, combining the rare mix of star performer with an unwavering commitment to her colleagues and the culture. She is an exceptional talent you'd be incredibly lucky to have on your team.

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Thea Lee
Senior UX Research Manager, Mercari US

Companies I've worked with

VCU da Vinci Center Mercari UT Austin VCU School of Medicine Virginia Catalyst

Blog

Blog

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Higher Education: The Underestimated Engine of Innovation

Higher education institutions are often seen as slow-moving, burdened by layers of bureaucracy, and hesitant to adapt. Yet, despite these perceptions, universities hold a unique potential to drive innovation, especially across disciplines. With access to diverse expertise, cutting-edge research, and a culture of inquiry, higher education can be a powerful force in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. My experience at the da Vinci Center offers a glimpse into how this potential can be realized.
August 30, 2024

Building Better Research: How Design Thinking and LEGO Serious Play Can Elevate Community-Engaged Research

Community-engaged research is all about collaboration—bringing together the insights, experiences, and voices of those who are most affected by the issues we study. But how do we ensure that this collaboration is not just inclusive but also deeply impactful? Enter design thinking and LEGO Serious Play, two methodologies that can revolutionize how we approach participatory design in research.
August 28, 2024

Surveys that Deliver: Hypothesis-Driven Survey Design

Designing a survey might seem straightforward—just ask a bunch of questions, right? Well, not quite. If you want to gather meaningful, actionable insights, your survey needs to be rooted in a clear, well-thought-out hypothesis. Here’s how I approach survey design, with a focus on how hypotheses drive every decision in the process.
August 26, 2024

Contact

Let’s talk research.

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Location

Richmond, VA