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Joshua Kaplan

Designer / Advisor

Professional Background

Joshua Kaplan is an accomplished professional specializing in user experience (UX) research, with an extensive background that spans across various high-profile organizations such as LinkedIn, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Pitney Bowes. With a wealth of experience in behavioral science and user-centered design, Joshua has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive impactful research initiatives that enhance product development and organizational effectiveness.

In his current role as a Staff UX Researcher at LinkedIn, Joshua applies his deep understanding of user behaviors and motivations to improve the user experience across the platform. By leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, he ensures that user insights are effectively translated into actionable design and product strategies. His ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers and designers, highlights his strong interpersonal skills and commitment to fostering a user-centric culture within the organization.

Before joining LinkedIn, Joshua was the Team Lead for UX Research at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he managed a team dedicated to transforming user feedback into clear design recommendations. His leadership in this role played a pivotal part in enhancing digital banking experiences for millions of customers, showcasing his capability to excel in high-stakes environments.

Joshua's career journey also includes substantive positions at Pitney Bowes. As the Research Lead for Software Solutions and previously as the Director of Market Intelligence, he provided strategic insights that informed product innovation and market positioning. His time as Manager of Customer Insights further solidified his expertise in understanding customer needs and behavior, leading to more tailored marketing and product development approaches.

Additionally, Joshua's academic background as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Yale University and his earlier work as a Workplace Anthropologist at Pitney Bowes reflect his strong foundation in social sciences, particularly in understanding how people interact with technology in work environments. This unique background in anthropology gives Joshua valuable insights into user experience, allowing him to apply ethnographic research methods that uncover deeper user needs.

Education and Achievements

Joshua Kaplan's educational journey is distinguished and reflects his commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills in social sciences and user experience research. He completed his Ph.D. and MA at the prestigious University of Chicago, where he honed his research skills and developed a robust theoretical framework for understanding human behavior and interaction.

Prior to his graduate studies, Joshua obtained his Bachelor of Arts with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This foundational education laid the groundwork for his passion for research and inquiry, shaping his analytical and critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, Joshua pursued advanced studies focusing on international relations and development at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, obtaining a DEA. This diverse educational background equips him with a broad perspective on global issues, enhancing his ability to consider various factors influencing user experience across different markets and cultures.

Some notable achievements include:

  • Leading teams at major organizations to drive user-centered design strategies that resulted in significantly improved product experiences.
  • Contributing to research publications that advance the understanding of user experience design principles within the tech industry.
  • Establishing interdisciplinary collaboration frameworks that enhance research processes and drive innovation.

Achievements

  • Leadership in UX Research: Successfully led UX research initiatives at JPMorgan Chase & Co., influencing the design of user-friendly banking solutions for diverse customer demographics.
  • Innovative User Solutions: At LinkedIn, Joshua's research directly contributed to the enhancement of critical features on the platform, significantly elevating the user experience and overall customer satisfaction.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: As a former Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Yale University, Joshua fostered cross-disciplinary partnerships, which not only enriched the research outcomes but also contributed to the academic community's broader understanding of social behavior in technology.
  • Cultural Influence: His role as a Workplace Anthropologist at Pitney Bowes illustrates his commitment to exploring the implications of workplace design on user experience, providing insights that have helped shape organizational culture to be more inclusive and effective.

In addition to these accomplishments, Joshua's extensive technical skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods enable him to generate insights that are not only actionable but also crucial for shaping future product directions. His passion for understanding users deeply positions him as a leader in the UX community and makes him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to enhance its user experience capabilities.

Highlights

Apr 13 · twitter

Nature is the original interface.

Apr 8 · twitter

SimCity 3000 - Magic City https://t.co/UK4I6tzQ8U

Aug 17 · Los Angeles Times
Star Garden strippers turn to theatrical union in labor fight - Los Angeles Times
Star Garden strippers turn to theatrical union in labor fight - Los Angeles Times
Nov 17 · Bloomberg
Silicon Valley Law Firm Sees Surge in Africa Startup Fundraising - Bloomberg

Related Questions

How has Joshua Kaplan's experience as a Workplace Anthropologist influenced his approach to user experience research?
What key strategies did Joshua Kaplan implement as Team Lead for UX Research at JPMorgan Chase & Co. to enhance banking product design?
How did Joshua Kaplan's education at the University of Chicago shape his career in user experience research?
What innovative methodologies has Joshua Kaplan developed during his tenure as Staff UX Researcher at LinkedIn?
In what ways has Joshua Kaplan's background in international studies at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies contributed to his understanding of global user needs?
Joshua Kaplan
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Location

Brooklyn, New York, United States