Kevin Newton (Head of UX Measurements at LinkedIn) kicks off the Unlocking Cooperation lightning talks with a sharp distinction between collaboration and cooperation.

Collaboration, he explains, is like a potluck—everyone contributes something separately. But cooperation? That’s more like cooking a meal together—messier, harder, but ultimately more connected. As UX continues to evolve in the face of AI, shifting roles, and unpredictable roadmaps, Kevin encourages us to embrace this messiness. Cooperation isn’t about giving up control; it’s about reclaiming power in new, intentional ways.

He sets the stage for three powerful stories about working across blurred boundaries: remixing originality (Kim from Capital One), rethinking frameworks without losing our research edge (Katherine from Spring Health), and keeping human experience at the center of long-haul research (Lauren from WHOOP).

These aren’t polished case studies—they’re real, reflective, and rich with useful tension. Kevin’s challenge is clear: the shape of UX is shifting, and no one will give us permission to redefine it—we have to claim it. And cooperation might just be the most strategic way forward.

Watch the other Unlocking Cooperation, Perpetual Human Insight sessions:

• Snack-Sized Continuous Discovery for Small Teams with Kim Stockley
• UX Research vs. Product Discovery: An Opportunity for UXR with Katherine Cuyler
• When Programs are also Projects with Lauren Stern