

Hiring your first UX designer or researcher can feel unclear: Do you need one yet? Which role comes first? How do they fit into a small team?
Our talk will give you straightforward answers, and if you have a case study you want us to take a glance at, we’ll give our thoughts live!
We’ll cover what UX actually looks like in early-stage climate companies, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to get the most value from your first design hire. You’ll learn how UX supports faster iteration, better decisions, and stronger customer relationships.
Overview:
How to know when you’re ready for your first UX hireCommon misconceptions about when and how much to invest in UX Research vs. design (and why you usually need both)How UX saves time, money, and headachesCommon mistakes early teams make without UXHow to work with and support your first designer or researcher
Why Attend:If you’re building climate tech, you’re juggling a thousand priorities: product, funding, hiring, growth. UX probably isn’t at the top of your list yet. This talk will show you why it should be.
Bios:Janet Gonzales is a UX designer with an entrepreneurial mindset who specializes in turning early-stage ideas into products people love. She likes to say she’s a fractional employee #1, wearing many hats in user experience, strategy, operations and business, to help teams get moving fast and set them up for long-term success.
Rebecca Hathaway is a UX designer, researcher, and workshop facilitator with over a decade of experience designing for highly technical audiences in industries ranging from climate tech, sustainability, architecture, industrial design, and financial services. She turns chaos into actionable user insights and products that make sense.
Sponsored by The Key, a strategic PR and communications agency.
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Your Climate Startup's First UX Hire is a free independent taking place on Friday, April 24, 2026 at San Francisco. Attendance is free — register to secure your spot. Currently 52 people have registered out of 52 spots. The event runs for approximately 1 hour.
Join this independent over 1 hour for an engaging session of learning, discussion, and networking with fellow attendees.
This independent in San Francisco is ideal for:
This evening independent is part of the growing events scene in San Francisco. Whether you're based in San Francisco or visiting for the independent, it's a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Browse more upcoming events in San Francisco on Rifio.
Your Climate Startup's First UX Hire covers topics including Climate, Tech, SF Climate Week 2026. Find similar events by browsing these topics on Rifio.