Mia Eltiste Portfolio
UX researcher (University of Texas at Austin) whose 12-week usability evaluation of a student mental-health matchmaking app candidly concludes that the real problem was product-market fit, not the interface.
What makes it work
A breakdown of the choices that make this portfolio stand out.
Naming the wrong research question as the actual finding
Concluding usability issues were minor and users struggled with the app's purpose is the single most valuable thing a research portfolio can show — an inconvenient finding, honestly reported.
Explicit critique of her own methodology
Stating evaluative research was the wrong tool because generative research wasn't done first demonstrates methodological self-awareness most portfolios never attempt.
Full method stack documented for one study
Heuristic evaluation, competitive analysis, moderated usability testing, and affinity diagramming show a complete toolkit applied to a single problem.
What UX Researchers can take from this
Specific, actionable tips to apply to your own portfolio — no generic advice.
If your research reveals the team asked the wrong question, say so explicitly in your case study.
Critique your own methodology choice in retrospect — it shows research maturity beyond just executing a study.
Document your full method stack for at least one deep case study rather than spreading thin detail across many.
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