Bringing Real Users Into a Product Team Gathering – A JetBrains Research Story | The Research Blog

JetBrains implemented a novel approach by integrating real users into their internal product team gatherings to bridge the gap between product assumptions and practical realities. The initiative involved two hands-on user workshops, one online and another in their Belgrade office, which allowed developers, designers, and managers to engage directly with users, fostering empathy and transforming feedback into tangible improvements. Despite challenges such as short recruitment timelines and logistical issues with rewards, the workshops succeeded in providing valuable insights into user interactions with their tool. The experience allowed team members to practice interviewing skills and grounded product discussions in real experiences rather than abstract reports, ultimately strengthening the connection between product development and user needs. The initiative highlighted the benefits of embedding user sessions into team gatherings, making feedback more tangible and enhancing empathy without requiring separate UX research processes.