Javier Bargas-Avila
Dr. Javier Bargas-Avila is a results driven UX Research Director with a 20+ year track record of building scalable, inclusive teams.
Testimonials
I’ve had the privilege of meeting regularly with Javier since last year, and he’s been instrumental in my professional and personal growth. He’s guided me through work challenges like managing team friction and making conscious career choices. What truly sets him apart is his empathy and genuine human approach. His insights have helped me navigate complex work scenarios and address life-related issues. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and positive impact on my journey so far.
Laura Baldassarri
Senior Product Designer, GetYourGuide
Javier has been an invaluable mentor and coach to me for over 15 years, starting back during my university studies and continuing through my time at Google. Javier was instrumental in helping me navigate my career at Google, supporting me through promotions and helping me tackle both personal and organizational challenges. He has a knack for asking the right questions and providing the clarity needed to make difficult decisions.
Mirjam Seckler
Staff UX Researcher & Manager, Google
Javier is definitely one of the most impactful and trustworthy people in my career, and significantly shaped who I am as a UXR today. I was fortunate to have him as my first manager, as well as a mentor and sponsor. He showed me what high-quality impactful research really means, coached me on how to manage stakeholder relationships, guided me through several critical career decisions
Hengqing (Celine) Chu
Senior User Experience Researcher, Google
Javier’s a truly exceptional person and coach, and unlike anyone I know. He never shies away from tough conversations and I’ve always appreciated his honest and candid nature. From career progression advice, to tips on enhancing my leadership presence and more, he delivered his thoughts with kindness, practicality, and a real desire to see me succeed. It’s clear his joy comes from watching people thrive and remain true to their values, and I know I’m a better researcher & human because of him.
Charisma Chan
Staff UX Researcher, Google
Javi’s mentorship has been invaluable. He taught me passion, dedication, and self-reflection. As his research assistant, I gained real-world experience and a strong work ethic. He’s always there for guidance and support, helping me navigate career decisions and complex issues. His ability to listen, understand, share honest feedback, and ask provocative questions, has been and will continue to be instrumental in my professional growth. I’m truly grateful for his mentorship and friendship.
Patrick Keller
Head of UX, Google
I had the pleasure of receiving coaching from Javier for several years during key moments in my career – from starting in a new area, returning to work as a first-time mom, and transitioning into management. What sets Javier apart is his blend of empathy, rationality and straightforwardness. His coaching helped me to move forward in my professional life (and become a happier person in general). I wholeheartedly recommend Javier to anyone looking for an impactful career coach who genuinely cares.
Anna Janiszewska
UX Research Manager, Fitbit
Over the years Javier has helped me work through ever-evolving challenges at work. With his sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude, he cut through – in my mind – deeply entangled issues of role, people, project, career aspirations and personal challenges, exposing a clear path forward that was mine to take if I so wanted. The gnarlier the issue, the better. With breathtaking honesty Javier, in a blink, destroyed some long-held and cherished beliefs, freeing me up to consider alternatives.
Mitch Hatcher
Staff UX Design Lead, Google
I couldn’t recommend Javier enough as a mentor. He is a true lead and expert in qualitative & quantitative methodologies + thoroughly understands the state of the UX industry. With very little input he could advise on stakeholder management, navigating change, and career progression + allowed me to think about my own direction with more care and intention. On top of that, Javier’s approach has always been highly personal and approachable, which is a very rare trait among senior leads like him.
Anna Wojnarowska
Staff UX Researcher & Manager, Google
Javier has been my most valuable advisor and coach through my 25+ year career, which includes almost 18 years at Google. Without his guidance, coming from an impressive experience in UX both as a lecturer, practitioner, and leader, I would have been unable to successfully navigate the organizational, personal and professional challenges that laid in my path. Always through a humane lens, Javier has helped me solve thorny problems and make difficult decisions, and given me the tools to thrive.
Jorge Amaral
Staff Designer, Google
Javier has mentored me throughout my career at Google. His vast experience as a manager and a coach enabled him to provided valuable advice in tricky situations and support me in career pivots. I especially appreciated his candor and “tell-it-like-it-is” approach, which was refreshing in a corporate world where things can be political and veiled. Another aspect that makes Javier a great coach is that he really cares. He is passionate about helping people and it shows. I highly recommend Javier!
Inna Tsirlin
Sr. Staff UX Researcher & Manager, Google
For over 20 years, I’ve been on a journey in the world of UX, driven by a deep passion for crafting products that truly resonate with users. Building exceptional experiences is incredibly rewarding, but even more so is witnessing talented individuals flourish within my teams and beyond.
My experience spans across some of the most recognizable products, from YouTube to Google Ads and Cloud. Prior to Google, I led the HCI research lab at the University of Basel, fostering a love for teaching that continues to drive me today.
But success isn’t just about results. It’s about empowering others to reach their full potential. That’s why I’m incredibly passionate about coaching and mentorship. I’ve seen firsthand its transformative power, and I believe every professional deserves the opportunity to thrive.
I actively contribute to the UX community by sharing my knowledge on LinkedIn, through lectures, publications, and conferences. Sharing these experiences allows me to connect with others who share my dedication to creating exceptional user experiences.
