Laura Faulkner Laura Faulkner, PhD, is Head of User Experience Research for Rackspace. Over 20+ years in user experience, she has served as a Director of Design and Research and a long-time consultant for diverse industries such as health, defense, education, financial services, semiconductor, and public sector. She received the International Service Award for redesigning the global UXPA international conferences, and is author of the seminal work “Beyond the 5-User Assumption.” Laura earned a PhD in research psychology studying HCI, following undergraduate degrees in psychology, anthropology, and sociology, while raising four children and wide of array warm, furry creatures with soulful eyes.