Holli Downs presents
Phosphor Research
Empathy, systems and the language of meaningful work.
Hi. I’m Holli Downs, PhD.
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When your team needs focus, clarity, or calm in the chaos, I step in as a fractional research lead to guide the work that matters. I help teams move from ambiguity to aligned action—whether they’re scaling quickly, shifting direction, or simply needing a steady hand.
Includes things like roadmap audits, discovery research, prioritization support, and executive comms.
Case study coming soon -
Sometimes you just need fast, focused answers. I run custom research sprints to uncover user needs, validate decisions, or audit what’s already in motion. This is for when timelines are tight, stakes are high, and you still want to do it right.
Includes methods like user interviews, usability tests, heuristic reviews, and behavioral analysis.
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Even the best ideas stall without shared understanding. I design and lead workshops that surface assumptions, build trust, and get cross-functional teams moving in the same direction. These sessions leave teams with not just clarity—but energy.
Used in moments of tension, transition, or vision-setting. Often includes narrative synthesis, journey mapping, and prioritization exercises.
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Good research is only as strong as the systems that support it. I build scalable, human-centered research infrastructure—so your team can move quickly and stay grounded. From onboarding materials to method libraries, everything is practical, teachable, and easy to use.
Built for teams growing their practice or rethinking how they work. Often paired with coaching or training.
I’m currently booking short-term contracts, consulting engagements, and fractional partnerships.
If you’re navigating something complex—or building something meaningful—I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
Fractional UX Research Lead & Strategic Partner
I work with teams navigating complexity—whether that means scaling research systems, clarifying product direction, or creating connective strategy that aligns people with purpose. My work blends insight, structure, and story to help teams build with intention.