by The Power of Collaboration: Nestlé’s Insights on UX Research
Interview with UX360 Research Summit speaker- Giulia Angeletti, UX Research Lead at Nestle
With a background in human sciences, specifically in anthropology, Giulia spent her career making digital experiences more human. I started as a journalist, then transitioned into market research before finding my way into UX research in 2014 in Mexico—just as the field was taking off there. From consulting to leading projects for Amazon and HBO, and later shaping UX strategy at Scotiabank, she has always loved connecting people, tech, and business. Now back in Milan, I lead UX Research at Nestlé, focusing on employee experience and making big, complex projects run smoothly and in a more human way.
UX360: What motivates you to join the UX360 conference and what is the core message of your talk?
Giulia: I’m excited to be part of the UX360 conference and to share my experience in UX Research, particularly how I’ve adapted and evolved within a complex organization like Nestlé. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and learn how colleagues have tackled similar challenges in their work environments.
My talk will highlight the power of collaboration—not just in enhancing our work as UX professionals but also in delivering greater value to end users. In an era of rapid transformation, collaboration isn’t just about improving outcomes; it’s a crucial strategy for staying relevant, strengthening our role within organizations, and driving meaningful innovation. By fostering cross-functional teamwork, we can build more adaptable, impactful UX practices that evolve alongside the industry.
As a UX researcher, the most rewarding part is seeing our insights come to life. But this only happens in a workplace that values and encourages collaboration.
UX360: How has this impacted your own work and your organisation?
Giulia: Collaboration is at the core of my everyday work.
It’s not the first large organization I’ve worked with—I previously spent several years at an international bank—but it’s the first time I’ve been part of a truly global team. At Nestlé, my role involves shaping the employee experience for people across five continents, working in diverse environments, from offices to factories and distribution centers. I support employees with different work arrangements, such as varying device provisioning, and address their unique working needs.
Collaboration is the foundation of this work—even determining where to start requires cross-functional input.
Being part of an IT Global team means navigating multiple layers of collaboration. I work closely with regional teams, engage with markets, and coordinate with colleagues both within IT and across other functions.
If we truly want to enhance the employee experience, neither the UX team nor IT alone can make it happen. Real impact comes from working together across broader teams, breaking silos, and ensuring every perspective is considered.
UX360: How has UX as a practice evolved in the last couple of years, and how would you like to see it evolve in the next few?
Giulia: Over the past year at Nestlé, I’ve observed four major trends shaping our work: remote work, the democratization of UX, the demand for fast results, and, of course, the rise of AI. While each of these brings opportunities, they also present significant challenges.
First, remote work. Especially post-pandemic, companies increasingly rely on remote and asynchronous research methodologies. While these approaches support certain objectives, they can fall short for more in-depth research with broader goals. I truly miss conducting rich ethnographic fieldwork.
Second, the democratization of UX. More people are becoming familiar with our frameworks, tools, and methodologies, experimenting with them independently. This increased visibility is great for our discipline, but it also risks leading to amateurish practices that could undermine the credibility of professionals hired specifically for UX work.
Third, the acceleration of expected UX results and the pressure to prove immediate business value. However, UX isn’t just about delivering quick wins—it’s about shaping experiences that drive long-term behavioral change, which doesn’t always happen at the pace the business expects.
And finally, AI. What more can I say that hasn’t already been said?
Looking ahead, I hope to see three key shifts. First, stronger collaboration across teams—not just as a situational necessity but as a structural part of the organization. Second, the exploration of new remote research methods using virtual reality, allowing us to share a space with participants without being physically present. And finally—this is more of a wish—I’d love to see business strategy align more with user experience goals, rather than being driven solely by financial KPIs.
UX360: Given this evolution, what are two expected and two less obvious skills UXers should possess, and why?
Giulia: There are two expected skills for this role:
- Be data-driven: It is crucial to have the ability to read and interpret data, and combine it with qualitative insights. Since data plays a significant role in our organization, stakeholders heavily rely on it for their decision-making. Proficiency in Excel is essential, and having a curiosity to cross-reference, match, and combine data is valuable.
- Analytical skills: This skill is closely linked to being data-driven. It involves the ability to analyze people, situations, and screens in detail, paying attention to the finer aspects.
There are also two less obvious skills to consider:
- Stakeholder management: Even though you are a junior designer, it is important to be a good negotiator and have the ability to manage stakeholders effectively. This skill will help in navigating different perspectives and ensuring successful collaboration.
- Basic technical skills: To stay relevant in our profession, it is necessary to understand and use certain technical terms correctly. While some of us may come from non-technical backgrounds, having a basic understanding of technical concepts can provide a competitive advantage and enhance credibility in the eyes of the business.
UX360: Apart from work, what can delegates at the event talk to you about? Do you have any particular personal interests, hobbies or extracurricular activities and engagements?
Giulia: I love the mountains and mountain sports, and in the past, I’ve practiced canyoning, trail running, and mountain biking. I’ve also run two marathons and taken part in several trail races. I enjoy the sea as well, especially swimming, and I’ve even competed in a few races.
These days, I’m not as active as I used to be since I have a three-year-old daughter and a dog, and I’ve slowed down my routine to spend more quality time with my family. Still, I love starting the day with an early morning run or enjoying a refreshing swim in the summer. To recharge, I don’t need a couch—just a good walk outdoors.
Another passion of mine is reading fiction. I particularly enjoy North American literature, like Paul Auster and Donna Tartt, as well as historical fictional novels by authors like Ken Follett. I also love the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende—or simply a well-written fiction book. Lately, thanks to my daughter, I’ve also become an expert in children’s illustrated books—there’s some truly great work out there! One day, I’d love to write a book myself.
UX360: Last but not least, favourite recommendations to make to industry colleagues for inspiration, innovation, guidance and leadership:
- In your ears
Podcast:
- BBVA Doble click
- The knowledge project with Shane Parrish
- Design Better, the Curiosity Department, LLC
- CultureLab with Aga Bajer
- Must read – Book/Blog:
Blogs:
- https://cultureby.com/ by Grant McCracken,
Books
- “The Cultural Map” by Erin Meyer
- “Misbehaving” by Richard H. Thaler
- “The making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo
UX360: Thank you so much, Giulia! We look forward to welcoming you to the event!
Hurry to secure your seat at UX360 Research Summit 2025 and meet Giulia in person!
The ultimate gathering of UX research and design leaders is here—two days packed with the latest industry insights, cutting-edge methodologies, and next-level inspiration.
This year, the summit features 30+ industry leaders from global power-houses such as Google, Roche, IKEA, Meta, Nestle, and many more.
Network with world-class UX professionals from around the globe. Whether you’re a researcher or designer, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the field. 🎟️ Snag 15% off with code BLOG15—before it’s gone!
Register here!
