4 min
Is User Research Worth the Cost?
Why investing in customer research makes sense for your brand and business.
John Dirks
Chief Research Officer
John Dirks is the Chief Research Officer with over 20 years of experience. Joining Blink shortly after it was founded in 2000, John continues to be instrumental in growing the company's research practice to the highly capable team it is today. John specializes in complex research engagements including multiphase field studies involving consumer electronics, auto technology, and more recently, VR/AR systems. Over the years, John has managed numerous international research studies; through which he has developed partnerships with top UX research firms in other countries. John’s diverse list of clients includes: Microsoft, the Allen Institute for Brain Science, Nike, Google, Amazon, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Arc'teryx, and F5 Networks.
As Blink's Chief Research Officer, John is excited about expanding Blink’s research practice to other locations. He sees boundless opportunities to empower organizations with foundational and evaluative research insights so they can make better, evidence-based decisions about their products and services.
John holds a Master of Science from the University of Washington and a graduate certificate in human-centered design. When not at work, John enjoys reading, sea kayaking, playing saxophone in a big band, and embarking on outdoor activities and adventures with his wife and two daughters.
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