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Markus Okur
Design Research at SoundCloud 🔊
Professional Background
Levent Okur is a seasoned design researcher with over 6 years of experience specializing in user experience (UX) research within the dynamic landscape of digital products, particularly focused on the music industry and initiatives that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He has carved out a niche at SoundCloud, the world's largest open audio platform, which boasts a community of 200 million monthly users connected through a shared passion for music creation and discovery. Driven by a deep commitment to understanding the needs of SoundCloud’s diverse creator user base—including musicians, producers, and DJs—Levent operates as a crucial advocate for user-centered design within product and development teams.
Levent's role as a strategic partner to product teams is marked by his ability to deliver actionable insights that guide both immediate problem-solving and long-term product roadmaps, effectively bridging the gap between user needs and product development.
Education and Achievements
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the prestigious Technische Universität Berlin, Levent is continuously enhancing his theoretical knowledge to complement his extensive practical experience in UX research. During his time at SoundCloud, he has occupied multiple positions, showcasing his rapid professional growth from an intern to UX Research Lead across various teams, including Web Experience, Payments, and Creators. This comprehensive experience has equipped him with a versatile skill set, making him proficient in a range of research methodologies designed to explore and understand user interactions with digital products.
His iterative research approach has significantly contributed to the planning and implementation of several of SoundCloud's major feature releases—including Upload, Profile, Comments, and Creator Insights—each benefiting from his data-informed decision-making practices that challenge teams to prioritize user-focused solutions.
Key Skills and Expertise
Levent is well-versed in a multitude of research methodologies, including ethnographic studies and mixed-method research, allowing him to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data in his findings. His arsenal includes techniques such as in-depth interviews, usability testing (both moderated and unmoderated), rapid prototyping, co-creation sessions, UX heuristics, and market landscape analysis. These skills not only support Levent's work in cultivating a user-centric product development cycle but also empower him to convey complex problems and insights clearly and concisely to stakeholders across various departments, whether in product, design, engineering, marketing, or data science.
As a passionate storyteller, Levent excels in turning research outcomes into compelling narratives that resonate with his colleagues and guide strategic initiatives aimed at improving the user experience. He is dedicated to fostering an environment where feedback loops exist between creators and product teams, ensuring that the voices of all users are heard and incorporated into future innovations and improvements.
In conclusion, Levent Okur is an innovative UX Design Researcher who is not only committed to improving user experiences but is also an essential advocate for DEI within the music technology realm. His diverse background in journalism, political internships, and artistic marketing complements his expertise in digital products, making him a well-rounded professional who thrives in collaborative environments focused on creativity and inclusivity.