I believe that great user research is driven by empathy, collaboration, and curiosity.

Key principles I follow as a user researcher:

Lead with kindness

Kindness is my core value that I try to uphold throughout my work. I’m drawn to the altruistic side of user research and strive to approach every interaction with kindness.

Empathy is key

Empathy starts with users, and extends to stakeholders and the business. Understanding all perspectives makes research more impactful.

Build bridges

Finding connections throughout the organization is my specialty. I love to build connections and believe research needs to be collaborative and accessible.

Keep on learning

Curiosity and growth drives me. I love that research is a constant learning journey. There’s always something new to uncover and learn.

Think in systems

I see user experience as something shaped by the whole system, not just one screen or feature. If possible, my research looks across teams, processes, and touchpoints.

Everyone loves a story

Insight sticks when it's told well. I bring findings to life through storytelling to help teams remember and act on what matters.

... and outside of work you'll find me...

... eating or cooking somewhere in Berlin! I'm a major foodie.

For food recommendations in Berlin, hit me up!

Besides food, I enjoy good music (at concerts), a good read, and a chill day in the sun.

I first met Van when she was the only researcher at Sharpist. Even as a junior researcher, she immediately stood out. She not only held her ground in a room full of more senior product team colleagues but impressed with her skillful knowledge, clear communication, and tactful directness.

When we reunited at Stepstone, I was amazed by how much she had grown from an already strong foundation. Van had become a confident, strategic research partner. She is someone who collaborates meaningfully with product teams, drives clarity, and always keeps the bigger picture in mind. Her ability to foster strong relationships, both within product and across other functions, makes her an incredibly valuable team member."

Kira Brauda, Senior UX Researcher at Stepstone