19 Aug The Faces Behind Fluent: Natalia Belchikov
To celebrate Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people who have helped shape the organization along the way. This week, we’re featuring Natalia Belchikov, Senior User Experience Researcher.
With a background in anthropology and a focus on qualitative and ethnographic research, Natalia brings a deeply human-centered approach to understanding how people interact with media and technology. Her work is grounded in active listening, thoughtful analysis, and a desire to help create more caring, equitable, and empathetic experiences for users.
Read on to learn more about Natalia’s path into research, what drives her work, and how she approaches understanding the evolving relationship between people and technology.
1) Natalia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
What originally drew me to Fluent was its core commitment to children and education research; I was deeply inspired by the idea of building a body of work that directly supports youth and learning. Beyond that, I appreciated the philosophy at Fluent that everyone brings a valuable perspective to the table.
2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m a Senior UX Researcher at Fluent, and because I’m usually balancing multiple projects across different stages of development, no two days look quite the same! A typical day might involve anything from writing instruments and fielding studies to collaborating with vendors, hosting dynamic brainstorming sessions, or crafting insight-led reports.
3) What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?
Conducting in-person focus groups in schools across a few major cities in the US remains the most memorable project I’ve worked on in the past five years. Getting to travel across the country to directly engage with high schoolers and explore the nuances of teenage aesthetics was such a unique, fascinating experience. It highlighted the power of immersive, hands-on research.
4) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?
When I joined, I was only the fifth or sixth researcher on the team, so I have watched the company more than double in size! Beyond our physical growth, Fluent has continuously refined its internal practices, expanded its methodological tool kits, and broadened the scope of subject areas we tackle.
5) What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?
I was surprised by how much creativity research really requires, but also how crucial it is to keep things simple enough that participants easily understand it. To do true thought-leadership research, you have to bring creativity and fresh, new ideas. At the same time, however, if those ideas create confusion or don’t land right with the participant, the data may be incomplete.
6) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?
My favorite things about working at Fluent are the workplace flexibility and the incredible people I get to work with. My colleagues welcome out-of-the-box thinking and challenge me to sharpen my approach. Seeing how deeply everyone around me cares about their craft inspires me to bring my best, think critically, and keep raising the bar
7) Natalia, what’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I’ve been a traveler at heart since my very first trip to Québec as a little girl, where I insisted on saying “Bonjour” to literally everyone I walked past. I would always try to convince my parents to go to more adventurous destinations. I still love connecting with people across new places today and try to take 1-2 trips a year!
8) If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Audre Lorde. She is such a brilliant thinker, and it would be an honor to pick her brain. I come back to her book The Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power regularly. Kirin Narayan would also be a top pick for me, I discovered her when I was studying anthropology in undergrad, and her work inspires me.
9) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is one of my favorite books; it’s a sweeping, multi-generational story that stays with you long after you finish it. In regard to podcasts, I’m a huge fan of Diabolical Lies. It’s a long-form podcast that always leaves me with a new perspective.
10) What’s your go-to productivity hack?
My go-to productivity hack would be the Pomodoro Technique. The hardest part of any task is just starting, so breaking work into manageable time chunks makes taking that first step so much easier.
Second, I would recommend working with your body’s natural energy cycle rather than fighting it. It’s important to attune to your own natural rhythms, such as when you need to step away for a break, or even when you just need a snack and some water, because we all function in unique ways.
11) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
If I weren’t in research, I’d likely be a therapist. When I first started college, I was actually on the pre-med track to become a doctor, but switching to anthropology made it clear that I was through-and-through meant for the social sciences. Listening to people, understanding their perspectives, and helping them navigate human experiences has always been at the core of what drives me.
12) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?
To me, this milestone reflects a shared journey of growth. Having been here for several years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Fluent mature, and I’ve grown right alongside it. Reaching 20 years is a testament to the sheer commitment and diligence of our team. We come from so many different backgrounds, but we’re united by a common goal: delivering exceptional research and constantly raising the bar for our work.
13) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
I see Fluent cementing its place as a true thought leader at the forefront of modern research. My hope is that we continue to serve as an innovative, trail-blazing voice in our industry, especially as we navigate new frontiers like AI. I want to see us leading the charge in learning how to utilize AI sustainably, ethically, and responsibly, setting the standard for how technology and human-centered insight work together.
14) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?
One word I’d use to describe Fluent is dedicated. Every single day, I see my colleagues put their best foot forward. There is a deep, genuine care here, not just for the research itself, but for holding ourselves and our work to the highest standard. That level of collective commitment is rare, and it’s what truly defines Fluent.
15) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Either taking a dance class, cuddling with my two cats, or watching a movie or TV show.
16) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I love to travel! I think I would probably choose New Zealand or the Galapagos Islands. They are both dream destinations for me.
17) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?
I love coffee, and I make myself a latte every morning.
18) What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?
I am passionate about dance, personal style/fashion, and travel outside of work. I also try to make a dent in my TBR list, but at this rate, I think collecting books is also one of my hobbies. My goal is to have an extensive home library with something for anyone.