UX Research Club

S3-E3: Why Coaching and Mentoring UXR Matter: A conversation with Javier Bargas-Avila

Season 3 Episode 3

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In today's episode, I am delighted to have a conversation with Dr Javier Bargas-Avila.

Dr. Javier Bargas-Avila is a UX Research Director with 20+ years of experience, passionate about building exceptional products and high-performing teams. He spent 14 years at Google leading UX research across Cloud, Ads, YouTube, and Play, after founding the HCI lab at the University of Basel.

In 2025, he co-founded Astrolabium with Nina Weber, also a former Googler, focusing on coaching and mentoring for UX professionals. They support clients through career transitions, leadership growth, and job search coaching, working with individuals from junior to VP level.

Javier is a very active member of the UX community, sharing valuable insights and his experience.

Javier is a dedicated mentor, published author (30+ articles), and international speaker (150+ talks). He teaches at the University of Basel and the University of Applied Sciences.


Javier's LinkedIn 


🚀 Masterclass: Leading with Impact — Becoming a UX Research Leader

  • Date: 8 October 2025 (live)
  • Format: Interactive, limited places.
  • Listener offer: Use code UXRC8£159 (instead of £199)
  • You can book here: emmanuellesavarit.podia.com

Ideal for senior researchers and managers who want frameworks, tools, and the confidence to lead with impact.

📖 Coming Soon: The UX Research Powerhouse, Vol. 1 — The Foundation of UX Research Strategic Leadership

Launching in October 2025, A playbook and manifesto for research leaders, with a 365-day leadership roadmap, tools to measure impact, and a bonus chapter on AI.

Practical...