Danielle Guttman · UX Research

Senior researcher
that fits in
like a teammate.

I help product and design teams get fast, clear answers from users. Fast ramp time. No hand-holding. Just sharp research and findings your team can act on.

Let's talk

"The kind of partner you hope for on challenging projects — she consistently makes the job of those around her easier while delivering outstanding research outcomes."

— Zaz Dara, Product Designer, Stripe

15 years across

Fintech Consumer tech Entertainment Startups Scaled teams

Worked with teams at

Netflix Stripe Square & many more

About

I get people to open up.
I make the findings land.
And I feel like part of
the team from day one.

abakey [ah-bay-kee]

The act of self-soothing — a word my dad made up to describe the unconscious things people do without realizing it. A big part of research is noticing exactly those moments.

With 15 years in UX and design research, I specialize in the part that's hardest to outsource: getting into a room with users and coming out with something true. I'm known for making participants comfortable enough to say the thing they almost didn't — and for translating that into clear, exec-ready findings fast.

I've spent most of my career in fintech and consumer tech, embedded with product and design teams at companies like Netflix, Stripe, and Square — from early-stage startups to scaled organizations. I know how to read a team quickly, slot in without friction, and deliver without needing much from you.

I work well alongside existing research teams as added capacity, or directly with product and design when there's no researcher in house. Either way, I get up to speed fast and become a strategic partner for the team.

What people say

In their own words.

"

What sets her apart is her remarkable ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and get straight to the heart of any problem. She has a natural talent for asking exactly the right questions without leading participants — consistently yielding authentic, actionable insights.

Zaz Dara

Product Designer, Stripe

"

She connects with participants like no one else — empathetic, objective, and present. An incredible moderator. If you want someone to challenge you and keep you honest, she's your person.

Kat Lee

Insights Lead, Square

"

Danielle is an incredibly talented researcher and simply a joy to work with. Empathetic, objective, and measured — always able to uncover deep unmet needs and articulate them in a way that inspires action. She is a rare gem.

Mike Cieri

General Manager, Square Services

"

Danielle combines the ability to see the big picture with careful attention to detail. Her genuinely joyful spirit made her a beloved colleague at LUNAR. You can rely on her to give 100% to everything she does.

Misha Cornes

Associate Partner, McKinsey Design

Work with me

Let's talk about
what you're trying to learn.

I take on a small number of projects at a time — fractional retainers, fixed-fee sprints, or embedded with your team for a stretch.

[email protected]
Based in Petaluma, CA
Experience 15 years
Background Fintech · Consumer · Entertainment