Inside UX/UI Design with Warner Wong former UX Researcher at Canva

Harness Projects mentor Warner Wong, former Senior Design Researcher at Canva recently discussed his key learnings drawing on his personal experience at one of Australia’s top tech companies.

While still in the role, Warner also joined us for some insightful webinars where he shared his perspective on breaking into the UX/UI Design industry and building a design career.

If you’re new to UX/UI Design or considering a career change, the idea of “user research” might sound abstract. But as Warner explained, the role is grounded in something very human: understanding people, and helping teams make smarter decisions based on what real users think, feel, and need. “A lot of my day is spent helping teams make better decisions,” Warner said. “It’s not just about collecting insights; it’s about being involved in the strategy, in shaping how products are made.”

Warner described that at Canva, UX researchers were embedded in product teams. That means they didn’t just test finish designs—they helped shape what got built in the first place, making UX research a highly influential part of the product development process.

For those trying to break into the field, Warner offered a crucial reminder: it’s not about having the fanciest tools or slickest presentation—it’s about your thinking. “The people who stand out are those who can connect the dots between what users are experiencing and what the business needs.”

If you’re transitioning from another field—whether teaching, psychology, journalism, or customer support—this is where you might already have an edge. Great researchers know how to listen, ask the right questions, and turn conversations into insights. What hiring managers want to see is evidence that you’ve practiced this in a real context. “Case studies that come from actual projects—where you’ve had to navigate ambiguity, manage stakeholders, and adapt your research plan—tell me a lot more than polished school assignments.”

This is exactly the kind of experience participants will gain in the Advanced Research Project of our UX/UI Design Career Launcher course. Working on a real-world brief, learners will plan and conduct research, handle shifting requirements, and present their findings to stakeholders—just like a researcher would in a professional team.

Warner also shared what it’s like to work in an environment like Canva, where timelines are fast and ambiguity is the norm. “You don’t always get perfect conditions. Sometimes you’re brought in late, or the timeline shifts. But how you respond to those situations really shows your maturity as a researcher.”

His advice to newcomers? Stay curious. Don’t panic when things change. Learn to speak the language of your team—and never stop asking questions.

Interested in joining us?

Book a call with our team to see if it’s the right fit for your UX/UI Design journey.