Black UX Labs

Black UX Labs operates as a coaching and recruitment platform, functioning as a key marketplace connecting Black, Brown, and multicultural UX professionals with decision-makers at corporations. The company was founded in 2019 by Amber Fields, a User Experience Researcher, and officially launched in 2020. Fields, a Louisville, Kentucky native, was inspired to create the platform after experiencing a lack of community and representation as the sole Black person in many professional settings. She sought to create a space where Black professionals could connect and discuss both their craft and culture simultaneously.

The firm's business model is centered on providing a suite of services aimed at both talent and corporations, addressing recruitment, retention, and education. For UX professionals, particularly those with 7-10 years of experience, Black UX Labs offers leadership development programs, brand assessments, and resources to prepare them for senior and leadership roles. This includes assistance with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and portfolios to better align their documented skills with career opportunities. For corporate clients, which have included companies like LinkedIn, Best Buy, and J.P. Morgan Chase, the company offers access to a vetted pool of diverse talent, aiming to streamline the hiring process. Beyond simple recruitment, the firm provides enterprise coaching and consulting to help companies understand and address cultural friction points within their product development and work environments, thereby improving retention of diverse leaders.

The platform's core service is to facilitate meaningful connections that go beyond traditional resume submissions. It functions as a talent magnet by creating a virtual safe space and community for professionals to connect and collaborate. By sponsoring community members and placing them directly in front of hiring managers, Black UX Labs aims to accelerate the interview process and foster relationship-building. This addresses a critical market need, as evidenced by the fact that only 3% of UX design jobs are held by Black designers. The organization actively works to place high-performing diverse professionals in decision-making or budget-holding seats. Through its research and partnerships, the company identifies and addresses gaps in hiring practices for underrepresented talent in the UX and product development fields.

Keywords: diversity in tech, UX recruitment, Black UX professionals, multicultural talent, leadership development, corporate diversity consulting, inclusive hiring, talent marketplace, UX career coaching, retention strategy, professional networking, user experience, diverse leadership, product development, equity in design, Amber Fields, tech talent pipeline, community building, brand assessment, enterprise coaching