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Laith U.

Elevating Products and Cultures through Qualitative Research and UX Insights

With a distinct blend of expertise in qualitative research, ethnomusicology, and UX design, I navigate the confluence of technology, culture, and innovation. Holding a Ph.D. from UCLA, my journey spans over a decade of shaping human-centered products, leveraging insights gathered from extensive fieldwork in 25+ countries. At Google, Uber, Webflow, and startups, I've driven product excellence. Currently, I guide startups and teach at UC Berkeley, fueling my passion for educating and bridging disciplines to foster impactful innovations.
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Laith U.

Experience

Sep 2025 — Present
Toyota Research Institute

Toyota Research Institute

Senior Research Manager

Aug 2018 — Present
UC Berkeley School of Information

UC Berkeley School of Information

Lecturer

  • Lecturer in the UC Berkeley School of Information graduate program.
  • Courses taught:
  • Interaction Design for Interfaces, Systems, and Services (INFO 290)
  • Qualitative Research Methods (INFO 272)
  • User Experience Design (INFO 213)
  • User Experience Research (INFO 214)
Feb 2022 — Mar 2024
Webflow

Webflow

Director, Insights

Sep 2021 — Jan 2022
Netlify

Netlify

Head of Product Design and User Research [Interim]

Nov 2018 — Jan 2021
Udemy

Udemy

Director, User Research & Market Research

Jun 2018 — Aug 2018
United Nations OCHA

United Nations OCHA

Fellow

Jan 2017 — Jun 2019
UC Berkeley Extension

UC Berkeley Extension

Lecturer

Oct 2016 — Jun 2018
Uber

Uber

UX Research Manager

Jul 2015 — Oct 2016
Shyp

Shyp

Lead User Experience Researcher

Nov 2014 — Jul 2015
Google

Google

User Experience Researcher

Jul 2012 — Nov 2014
AnswerLab

AnswerLab

UX Researcher

Sep 2011 — Dec 2011
Georgetown University

Georgetown University

Lecturer

Jan 2011 — Feb 2012
Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

May 2009 — Jun 2009
University of Redlands

University of Redlands

Lecturer

May 2007 — Aug 2012

Freelance

Freelance

Sep 2002 — Jun 2010
UCLA

UCLA

Lecturer

Jan 2000 — Aug 2001
University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Information Resources Specialist