Hi, I’m
Helen Tong
Chicago,IL
Summary
A globally minded Research Director highly effective at managing complex research projects and driving impactful business outcomes. Recognized for strong team collaboration and adaptability to evolving research needs. Prepared to leverage 15 years of progressive experience to take on new role with long-term potential.
Overview
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Khoj Lab
Research Director
03.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Client List: Kohler, Expedia, Tarkett Flooring, Herman Miller, Spectrum Brands
- Lead a diverse team of Senior Design Researchers, UX Designers, and Strategy consultants on user research projects spanning 9-20 weeks long.
- Proficient Director who drives team collaboration, work productivity, efficiency and maintaining user-centered mindset.
- Scope, budget and contribute to client proposals ranging from $100-$500K per project.
- Seek out creative solutions to meet clients' limited resources while ensuring high quality research deliverables.
- Mentor junior researchers, fostering a supportive learning environment that encourage professional growth.
Starbucks
Independent Consultant
02.2024 - 07.2024
Job overview
- Developed a customized Research Training Program tailored to the needs of Starbucks' Innovation and Store Testing Teams.
- Educated 30+ client team members about qualitative research methodologies, focus group moderation skills, rigorous data analysis, and insights storytelling techniques.
- Enhanced the quality of research, leading to a positive impact on thousands of Starbucks partners across North American retail stores.
- Proactively identified opportunities for research process improvement, leading to a positive impact on more than 235,000 Starbucks partners across North American retail stores.
Thoughtfull
Senior Design Strategist
04.2019 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Client List: Amway, Leaft Foods, New Zealand Air, New Zealand Merino Wool
- Lead the strategic effort for global innovation projects by conducting ethnographic research and brand affinity mapping with end-users.
- Facilitated over 40+ interviews (remote and in-person) with a diverse set of consumers, industry experts, sales people, and key stakeholders.
- Gained experience working in a start-up environment with clients based in Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Thrive
Senior Design Researcher
05.2020 - 03.2022
Job overview
- Client List: Weber Grill, Spectrum Brands, Tennant, Bristol Myers Squibb
- Collaborated with a team of consultants on 3-6 month long strategic engagements to help clients map their innovation product roadmaps.
- Facilitated remote Ideation Workshops with client teams to generate 100s of future product concepts.
- Conducted thorough prototype testing and iterative design improvements based on user feedback in both a lab environment and in-home research.
Radio Flyer
Principal Design Researcher
08.2017 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Lead 35+ research initiatives to enhance the user experience of 100+ Radio Flyer products impacting children and parents all over the world.
- Managed all aspects of consumer research including ethnographic studies, exploratory research, quant surveys, prototype testing, and usability lab testing.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to conduct research and integrate actionable insights immediately into next generation concepts
SC Johnson
Associate Manager of Consumer Insights (CIBA)
07.2011 - 08.2017
Job overview
- Brands worked on: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, Deb, Lysofoam, Raid, Off!, and Kiwi Shoe Care
- Lead innovation programs for the Global Home Cleaning & Pest Control businesses impacting over $2B in annual sales.
- Gained leadership experience on an Expat Assignment working in China's R&D Center with the goal of developing innovations for the emerging markets and educating the local team on design thinking methods.
- Orchestrated 60+ research studies collaborating with Marketing, R&D, and key external partners to inform strategic product roadmaps.
- Hired and trained 5 product designers, UX researchers, and packaging designers in China.
SC Johnson
Sr. Design Researcher
07.2011 - 07.2015
Education
IIT Institute of DesignChicago, IL
Master of Design
05.2011
University Overview
- Awarded IDSA Bronze Award for "Future Living" student designs project, 2010
- MBA coursework
Tufts UniversityMedford, MA
Bachelor of Science from Psychology & Human Factors Engineering
06.2003
Skills
Leadership
Research Planning & Design
Stakeholders Engagement
Client Relationship Management
Project Management
Budget Oversight
Creative Problem-solving
Analytical Thinking
Adaptability and Flexibility
Resourcefulness
Languages
Chinese (Cantonese)
French
Chinese (Mandarin)
Timeline
Independent Consultant
Starbucks
02.2024 - 07.2024
Senior Design Researcher
Thrive
05.2020 - 03.2022
Senior Design Strategist
Thoughtfull
04.2019 - 01.2024
Research Director
Khoj Lab
03.2019 - Current
Principal Design Researcher
Radio Flyer
08.2017 - 02.2019
Associate Manager of Consumer Insights (CIBA)
SC Johnson
07.2011 - 08.2017
Sr. Design Researcher
SC Johnson
07.2011 - 07.2015
IIT Institute of Design
Master of Design
Tufts University
Bachelor of Science from Psychology & Human Factors Engineering
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