KB Ruleaux

Hey – I’m KB.

 

I help world-class news organizations create pathways to a sustainable, inclusive, joyful future of news, entertainment and information.

I’m best at:

  • Creating audience-centric strategies that prioritize user needs and perspectives.

  • Increasing revenue, improving experiences and cementing industry leadership with innovative approaches across products, content, and branding.

  • Conducting deep user experience research and audience exploration to understand user interactions and expectations.

  • Utilizing design thinking and co-creation for effective problem-solving in collaborative environments.

  • Analyzing markets and trends for competitive analysis and strategic positioning of offerings.

  • Enhancing team creativity and collaboration through interactive methods & generative workshops.

I’m Director of Audience Insights & Research at Axios – understanding what drives audiences, identifying emerging trends, and using data-driven insights to deepen Axios’ connection with readers.

Previously, I led research & strategy at The Washington Post, building a dynamic, audience-centered practice that integrated user research and experimentation into organizational culture and promoted an audience-centric ethos. At NPR, I drove UX strategy and design for mobile apps and emerging tech, leveraging my design thinking expertise to enhance product innovation and user experience across the public media network. My earlier role at LAist focused on fostering innovation and inclusivity in public media.

I am also a public speaker and mentor, dedicated to empowering women in media and tech and advancing sustainable, inclusive practices in the industry.

How I work

I have worked with legacy news organizations, public radio and TV stations, design agencies, and emerging tech startups. I most recently established and led a team of researchers and strategists, revolutionizing how top news editors and executives at The Washington Post think about their audiences.

At the heart of my practice is a commitment to fostering an environment where learning and transparency are prioritized. I consistently break down silos to encourage cross-disciplinary colleagues to engage deeply with audience needs and emerging trends. This not only cultivates a more inclusive environment, but also empowers teams to implement solutions that are both innovative and practical. I construct and implement processes that center rigorous user-centered research to help teams maintain a sharp focus on delivering compelling and effective user experiences that resonate across diverse audiences.

Check out some of my case studies, or read on to learn more about how I work.

 
 

Strategic foresight

I connect the dots across projects and teams to see the big picture, allowing me to anticipate future trends and opportunities effectively. This foresight is critical in shaping strategic directions and innovative outcomes.

Championing rapid iteration and design research

A staunch believer in rapid iteration, I train designers to prototype and test solutions quickly, using design research extensively to understand problems and foster creative collaboration.

Design and strategy leadership

Combining design expertise with strategic project management, I guide teams through successful project completions, aligning creative and strategic elements to meet our goals.

Dynamic writing & inclusive co-creation

I write extensively to articulate strategies and share user stories, building opportunities for co-creation with a focus on inclusive and participatory processes. This approach enriches our projects and drives engagement.

Calm during chaos

I excel at creating order from ambiguity and communicating complex ideas clearly, via designing systems, distilling insights, or organizing information. Accessible communication ensures all partners understand.

Versatile and unifying leadership

Recognized as a unifying force, I excel in collaborating and communicating effectively across all levels, from interns to CEOs. My leadership style motivates teams and fosters a cooperative environment.

 
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“Consistent feedback from other departments: ‘KB is a treasure.’ ‘KB is speaking truths.’ … She has the rare ability to distill user needs into actionable product solutions.”

— WASHINGTON POST HEAD OF PRODUCT (2023)

Ethos

My professional compass is rooted in a deep commitment to empathy, inclusivity, and the fundamental belief that accessible, quality information is a human right. This guiding principle has shaped my journey from journalism to leading user insights-powered strategy at Axios, The Washington Post, NPR and beyond. I focus on developing strategies that maximize audience connection through empathy and rigorous, evidence-based decision-making.

I prioritize making news content comprehensible and universally accessible, ensuring that strategies and designs meet the needs of a diverse audience. With a background in designing digital products and a rich understanding of storytelling, I leverage user insights to foster an organizational culture of inclusivity and innovative thinking. This approach not only enhances our engagement but also drives transformative changes across the media landscape, reinforcing the importance of integrity and accessibility in information dissemination.

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 “(An) incredible, collaborative spirit.”

– WASHINGTON POST HEAD OF AUDIENCE (2024)

In my toolkit

UX research & product strategy

Skills
Qualitative & quantitative methods | Competitive analysis | Prototyping | Coaching best research practices | Strategic roadmapping | Product vision development

Tools
ChatGPT, Claude.ai | Maze, UserTesting.com | Dovetail | User Interviews | Qualtrics | Optimal Workshop | Figma


Design thinking & creative facilitation

Skills
Generative ideation and brainstorming | Co-creation | User journey mapping | Workshop creation & facilitation | Equitable hybrid experiences

Tools
Figjam, Miro, Mural


Team management & collaborative culture

Skills
Empathy-led servant leadership | Performance evaluation & coaching | Conflict resolution | Team building | Cross-functional teamwork | Advocacy for diversity & inclusion | Change management | Constructive feedback

Tools
Slack, Zoom | Jira, Trello | Confluence, Google Suite, Dropbox Paper | Workday | Invoice Manager | Retrium

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Public speaking

↪️ Now open to proposals for future speaking opportunties – get in touch!

Speaker, 2022 & 2024 Hackathon Kickoffs
The Washington Post

“8 Steps To Build A Collaborative Research Practice”
2022 | IIEX North America

“Research Meets Reality”
2020 | Fly Fest, UXLx, Qual360 North America, ConveyUX
2019 | MidwestUX, GETconf, PBS TechCon
2018 | Fall Design School, Office of Personnel Management

Panelist, Wireframe Podcast
2019 | On Air Fest

Public Media Women In Leadership Webinar Host
2019 – 2020

"Talking Back To The Radio"
2018 | VOICE Summit

"The Future of Digital Content Distribution"
2018 | PRNDI



Awards

Behavioral Economics Bootcamp Certificate
2022

Webby
UX Lead, “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” Alexa Quiz
2019

NPR Excellence and Innovation Award
2018

American Public Media Emerging Leaders Graduate
2017

Edward R. Murrow Award
Creative Director, “Officer Involved” series
2017

Other honors

Axios

  • Founder & Co-Director
    Axios Insights Engine

The Washington Post

  • Inaugural Research & Strategy Lead
    Next Generation Team

  • Chair
    Tech Mentorship Program

  • Committee Member
    Compensation, Equity & Transparency Working Group

NPR

  • Design Lead
    2019 Public Radio Incubation Lab

  • Facilitator
    Code Of Conduct Working Group

  • Mentor
    (Tech) Public Speaking Mentorship Program

  • Volunteer
    Anti-Harassment Working Group

Ambassador, Mentor
Public Media Women In Leadership

Founder
Public Media Potluck

Project Manager
Content Department Training Committee | LAist

Designer
Come and Play: Audio Storytelling Hackathon | BuzzFeed and AudioSear.ch

Team Lead
SNDMakes – San Francisco | Society for News Design

Jury Member
Awwwards  

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