The User Experience Center (UXC) is a consulting and applied learning group based at Bentley University. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with organizations around the world to improve products, services, and experiences through research, strategy, and design.
We operate at the intersection of academic research, professional consulting, and hands-on learning, giving organizations access to multidisciplinary expertise, emerging talent, and flexible engagement models not typically found in traditional consultancies.
By combining industry practice with academic rigor, the UXC helps teams better understand customer needs, reduce uncertainty, and make informed decisions that lead to more effective, meaningful experiences.
Our Leadership Team
The UXC is led by a team of faculty and industry experts, supported by a broader network of multidisciplinary contributors across Bentley University.
Through our work, organizations gain access to faculty researchers, experienced practitioners, and students who bring diverse industry backgrounds and perspectives to every engagement.
Janelle Estes
Edward O’Brien
Sarah Pagliaccio
Our Approach + Capabilities
We combine academic rigor with practical consulting to help teams make confident, evidence-based decisions. Our work includes:
- Research and evaluation studies
- Design and strategy projects
- Educational partnerships
- Long-term strategic collaborations
We support industry, academic, and non-profit partners through sponsored research, consulting engagements, and client-based course projects.
Our multi-disciplinary faculty also provide professional development and custom training delivered here at Bentley or on-site with partner organizations.
Our Values
Data-Informed
We use research and evidence to guide decisions and drive measurable business outcomes.
Ethical
We conduct our work with respect, transparency, and care for participants and stakeholders.
Career Ready
We prepare students and collaborators for professional environments through real-world project experience.
Curiosity
We approach each engagement with openness and a willingness to learn, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring new perspectives to better understand human experiences.
Human-Centered
We place people at the center of our work, focusing on real needs, behaviors, and contexts to create experiences that are meaningful and effective.
Accessible + Inclusive
We design and conduct research with diverse users in mind, recognizing that accessible and inclusive experiences lead to better outcomes for users and stronger results for organizations.
Sustainable
We consider the long-term impact of the products and services we help shape, supporting solutions that are responsible, durable, and mindful of their broader social and environmental context.