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Diba Kaya
Sr. UX Researcher at Twitch (an Amazon company)
Professional Background
Diba Kaya is a multi-lingual and multi-cultural researcher distinguished for her adeptness in creating connections among people, places, and concepts. Her work primarily revolves around product strategy and development, where she applies her extensive expertise in various research methodologies, ranging from foundational research to evaluative assessments. With a unique ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners, Diba excels at identifying what to build, when to build it, and for whom the products are intended. Her significant experience in developing product roadmaps, feature prioritization, and ensuring a comprehensive product foundation has made her a valuable asset in the tech industry. She stands out as a sprint master, skillfully filtering early-stage ideas to focus on implementation, thus driving efficient use of resources and time.
Diba's impressive career trajectory includes notable positions at prominent organizations such as Google, where she served as the Research Lead and later as an internal consultant for Google’s start-up incubator, Area 120, and their machine learning division, AIUX. Currently, Diba brings her extensive skill set to Amazon, where she engages in foundational research at Twitch, contributing to the innovative landscape of central science within the platform.
Education and Achievements
Diba's educational background is robust, holding a Master's degree in Applied Science, specializing in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Human Factors and Human-Computer Interaction, and an Honors Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Psychology, both from the University of Toronto. This academic foundation has equipped her with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to approach complex problems from multiple angles and devise solutions that are user-centered and scientifically grounded.
Throughout her career, Diba has demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills while supporting various organizations through significant research contributions. Her previous role as a Senior UX Researcher at Twitch showcases her capacity to navigate the intersection of user experience and technology, ensuring that the products meet the needs of diverse users.
Among her past roles, Diba has also excelled as a UX Research Lead at Google and a UX Researcher at TD Ameritrade, bringing valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive user behavior and product interaction. Additionally, she held positions as a Research and Development Engineer at Defence Research and Development Canada, and UX Research Lead at TELUS Digital, where she made substantial contributions to both product development and strategic initiatives.
In the academic arena, Diba has further honed her research skills as a Graduate Research Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto, and she has held research associate positions at TELUS, the Forensic Neuropsychobiology Lab, and the Southlake Regional Health Centre. These experiences reflect her versatility and depth as a researcher, always striving to understand the intricate dynamics of human behavior and technological interaction.
Achievements
Diba Kaya's career is marked by numerous achievements that underline her expertise in the field of user experience and research. Her ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams is one of her hallmark strengths. This has resulted in the successful implementation of innovative solutions that are user-friendly and effectively meet market demands. Her proactive approach to early ideation allows her to cut through complexities and identify core problems efficiently, which is critical in fast-paced environments like tech startups, where agile methods are essential.
Her role in the development of product roadmaps, making strategic choices on feature prioritization, and ensuring that products are grounded and data-driven signifies her commitment to excellence in her work. Furthermore, her experience working with top tech companies has allowed her to be at the forefront of digital transformations, making her a go-to expert for navigating the challenges of product development in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Outside her professional activities, Diba is passionate about connecting with others, showcasing her openness to sharing knowledge and fostering relationships in the industry. She welcomes inquiries and opportunities to collaborate, demonstrating her commitment to building bridges across various sectors and domains. Anyone interested in reaching out to Diba can connect with her directly at [email protected].
