Jesse Livingston
Focus areas

Where I go deep.

I specialize in emerging technology research, where the problem space is ambiguous, mental models are still forming, and the stakes of getting it wrong are high.

AI & Emerging Tech

I research how users actually experience new technology. I've shaped AI features at Microsoft and ServiceNow.

Generative AI LLM UX Voice AI Innovation

Foundational Research

When you need to understand who your users are, what they need, and where the opportunity lives.

Journey Mapping Mental Models Personas Concept Testing
Research methods

What I can run for you.

In-Depth Interviews

Deep 1-on-1 conversations to understand needs, motivations, and mental models.

Usability Testing

Moderated sessions where users interact with your product in real time.

Concept Testing

Evaluate early-stage ideas before you commit to building.

Journey Mapping

Map the full experience across touchpoints. Reveals pain points and moments of truth.

Contextual Inquiry

Observe users in their real environment. The gold standard for workflows.

Diary Studies

Longitudinal self-reporting. Captures real-world behavior as it evolves over weeks.

Card Sorting & Tree Testing

Information-architecture research. How users categorize and find content.

Focus Groups

Moderated group discussions exploring attitudes and social dynamics.

Heuristic Evaluation

Expert review against usability principles. Fast, with no recruitment.

Surveys

Quantitative reach at scale. Validate what you heard in qualitative research.

Data Analysis

Turn product and survey data into clear, decision-ready findings.

A/B Testing

Compare concepts with real usage data before you commit to one direction.

Engagement models

How we work together.

FOCUSED

Single Study

One study, clear deliverables, fast turnaround.

$3–10Kscoped per study
✓Research strategy & design
✓Participant recruitment
✓Moderated sessions
✓Analysis, synthesis & findings presentation
Scope a study
EMBEDDED

Monthly Retainer

Ongoing research partnership with continuous study cycles.

$8–14K/ month · 3-month minimum
✓Dedicated research partner
✓Research roadmap
✓Continuous studies
Discuss a retainer
Saga
POWERED BY SAGA

Ongoing Product Monitoring

AI-moderated interviews that run continuously on your product and score every session against a fixed rubric. You always know how ease, trust, and value are trending, without commissioning a new study every time.

Set up monitoring
✓Automated interview deployment
✓Consistent scoring (ease / trust / value)
✓Monthly trend summaries
✓Alerts when scores shift