Our First Independent Research Report on How People Relate to Money, Risk, and Financial Success
New York Times features Velocity Ave Founder, Maya
I never thought I’d see my name in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴.
The article I’m featured in is about Laid Off, a Substack that is much more than a newsletter. It’s a time capsule. A platform of both raw and resilient first person narratives from people who have been laid off (including mine) that help reframe the possibility of careers.
A call for insightful readers
Calling insightful readers! We are looking for five people to review our paper and offer critical feedback.
Me, Myself, and AI: Navigating the New Normal of AI Notetakers
Over the past few months, I've been privileged to connect with experts across fields. While these interactions have been insightful and thought-provoking, I’ve noticed an increasing prevalence of AI notetakers joining these calls. These digital assistants have become a staple in many meetings, often joining before their human counterparts. It’s like having a tiny robot assistant that is always on time, that never forgets to hit record, and can even introduce themselves (albeit via chat) in a round of introductions!
Innovation vs Execution
Innovation vs. execution—these two modes should not be a dichotomy, and yet it’s the eternal tug-of-war for early-stage startups. Too often we see the abandonment of value for the promise of a timely launch or release.
Startup Fundraising Guide by Designer Fund
Sound advice on startup fundraising.
Tips for conducting research in emotional verticals
👋 Hello from VelAve. This week we are conducting two concept studies - one in health care and a second in accessibility.
Research in these verticals can be super emotional. One of our favorite tactics is to use six-frame storyboards.
Velocity Ave just grew 200%
We are thrilled to announce two new partners: Kelly Coney and Nisha Desai. With this expansion, we are formalizing the inclusion of Design in our services.
Client Spotlight: Mudita Studios
Incubating in the open is one the many things we love about our client Mudita Studios. A product we’ve been leading research for is on Product Hunt.
Don’t take the lonely rode, take Velocity Ramp.
Yes, the rumors are true! We’ve launched a program for early-stage startups! Applications are open, spread the word.
Velocity Ave turned 1!
🎂 Last month, Velocity Ave turned a year old, and we have lots to celebrate!
Till death do us pivot
In 2019, I stood in front of a group of 71 people at a Google event and said “now we will die.”
Although my choice of words was stark, maybe cultish, and insensitive out-of-context, I was the facilitator. I was about to introduce the next exercise, a Eulogy, at the Future of Ads Co-Laboratory. I needed to quiet the room and get the attention of participants. Goodness did it work.
The most powerful change agent for early-stage startups: your assumptions
Why do we repeatedly build products users don’t need or want? After partnering with 55+ teams in Google’s incubator Area 120, I’m confident there’s a better way to de-risk product development, one that promises more velocity, less resources and better outcomes.
We UXRs over index on craft and outputs
We User Experience Researchers (UXRs) have the tendency to invest copious amounts of energy into standardized phases of the research process: recruiting participants, designing protocol, data collection, rigorous analysis, and crisp synthesis. There’s something about our repeatable process (the science side of the house) that is invigorating and makes the art of what we do approachable.
Truth is, I think we overdo process and don’t break enough rules.