Sign In

Polly Shelton

Staff UX Researcher & UX Research Manager at Google

Polly Shelton is a Staff UX Researcher and UX Research Manager at Google, recognized for her expertise in product research. With over 10 years of experience in design research and user experience design, she has established a reputation for setting high-quality standards in her field. Polly is noted for developing widely-adopted frameworks and deliverables that enhance the product research craft.1

Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to understanding user needs and improving product design through effective research methodologies. This focus on user-centered design has positioned her as a key player in driving innovation within Google's product teams.

Highlights

Jan 3 · linkedin

I have some exciting, if a little scary career news!

After almost 5 incredible years, today is my last day at Google. I have chosen to take a break from (paid) work and will be spending some time focusing purely on my other job - as a mother to three very young children 👦🏼🧒🏼👧🏼.

My goal is to be present and to really experience more of the beautiful and enlivening moments of their early years, without the weight of 'having it all' alongside a full time career.

After losing a baby girl through neonatal death a few years ago, I am acutely aware of what it feels like to miss out on this time. There is just one childhood, one chance to create those memories, to show up. It's going quickly. I feel very lucky to be in a position to choose to invest more time in my family for a short while.

This has been a brave, yet surprisingly empowering decision, after being unable to reach the right balance for me between work and family, especially during the pandemic. With the cost, availability and quality of childcare in a challenging state in the UK, this choice was made easier.

I am hopeful that the world has made progress and is able to recognise the value women and parents can bring to a diverse and thriving team; in spite of their career 'gaps', when I choose to return.

I am apprehensive yet optimistic and I'll post an update when I've figured out what's next! In the meantime, I may be open to small consulting or coaching opportunities.

Thank you to all my amazing and supportive colleagues and team at Google who've helped me along the way. I've enjoyed our journey together, everything I've learnt from you and I'm excited to see where your lives and careers go! Hopefully we'll get the chance to work together again in the future. Keep in touch, and I'll come visit for lunches 🙂

See you on the other side!

Related Questions

What are some of Polly Shelton's most notable projects at Google?
How did Polly Shelton transition from yoga teaching to a career in UX research?
What frameworks and deliverables has Polly Shelton widely adopted in her work?
Can you provide examples of Polly Shelton's contributions to product design research?
What is Polly Shelton's educational background and how did it influence her career?
Polly Shelton
Polly Shelton, photo 1
Polly Shelton, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

London Area, United Kingdom