Gaston Duval

Why this persona fits the audience

Works solo and uses AI for interview summaries, synthesis drafts, and workshop exercises, often comparing outputs manually across a few free accounts. She keeps a simple spreadsheet of prompts and notes because she balances several client projects and does not standardize on one tool for every task.

• Age: 37
• Location: Paris, France
• Occupation: Freelance UX researcher
• Income: €63k freelance net
• Education: Master's in human-computer interaction
• Company size: 1 (self-employed)
• Years in role: 8

“The real challenge isn't just finding patterns, it's understanding the human story behind them.”

Born and raised in Lyon, Gaston developed an early fascination with how people interact with systems, a curiosity that led them to pursue a Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction at Université Paris-Saclay. After graduating, they spent a brief, unfulfilling period in a large tech company's UX department, finding the corporate structure stifling and the pace too slow. This experience solidified their desire for autonomy, prompting the leap into freelance work eight years ago. Initially, they relied heavily on manual processes, but the increasing volume and complexity of client projects, coupled with a desire to optimize their time without sacrificing depth, led to the strategic adoption of AI tools. Gaston views these tools as powerful assistants, not replacements, meticulously vetting their outputs. This approach has allowed them to build a reputation for rigorous, insightful research. They recently decided to systematically log prompts and AI outputs in a spreadsheet, acknowledging the ad-hoc nature of their current toolset but seeking a way to create internal consistency. This decision stems from a recent project where inconsistencies in AI-generated summaries across different free models led to minor but time-consuming corrections. Gaston's income of €63k net allows for a comfortable, albeit not extravagant, lifestyle in Paris, prioritizing experiences and professional development over material accumulation. They see time as a crucial resource, constantly seeking efficiencies that free up mental bandwidth for critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Their non-binary identity is an integral part of their self-expression, and they advocate for inclusive practices within the UX community. They remain driven by a core value of user empathy, believing that deep, ethical research is the foundation of truly human-centered design.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

A typical weekday for Gaston begins around 7:30 AM with a quick breakfast and a review of urgent emails. By 9:00 AM, they're usually engrossed in client work – perhaps synthesizing interview transcripts using AI, then manually cross-referencing the summary against raw notes. Mid-morning might involve a client video call to kick off a new project or present interim findings. Lunch is a light, quick affair, often eaten at their desk while catching up on industry blogs. The afternoon is dedicated to preparing workshop materials, running a remote facilitation session, or performing more in-depth data analysis. Evenings are reserved for personal interests, exercise, or winding down with a book, though project deadlines can sometimes extend the workday.

Lifestyle

Gaston lives in a compact but well-organized apartment in the 11th arrondissement, filled with books and a few carefully chosen art prints. They prioritize a balanced routine, usually starting the day with a strong espresso and a quick scan of industry news before diving into client work. Evenings often involve exploring Parisian cultural offerings, from obscure gallery openings to historical lectures, or simply cooking a healthy meal. Financial discipline is key; Gaston budgets carefully, viewing savings as a means to maintain professional independence rather than for lavish spending. Socially, they maintain a close circle of trusted friends, preferring deep conversations over large gatherings.

Work life

As a solo freelance UX researcher, Gaston’s workdays are a dynamic mix of deep analytical dives and client-facing facilitation. They juggle multiple projects simultaneously, meticulously managing timelines and deliverables. The reliance on AI tools for initial data processing is a recent, strategic shift to optimize time, but Gaston insists on manual verification and synthesis to ensure rigor. Client calls and workshops are a significant part of the week, requiring preparation and active listening. The pressure to constantly demonstrate value and deliver high-quality insights keeps them focused, often leading to late-night review sessions before critical client presentations. Collaboration is minimal, primarily involving asynchronous communication with clients.

Relationships

Gaston maintains a professional network primarily through LinkedIn and occasional industry meetups. Their closest confidantes are a handful of fellow freelancers who understand the unique challenges of independent work, offering mutual support and candid advice. Family ties are warm but distant, with regular video calls to their parents in the Loire Valley. They occasionally seek feedback on complex research challenges from a former university professor, who remains a valued mentor.

How they decide

Gaston is a research-heavy decision-maker, especially concerning professional tools and methodologies. They gather information from multiple sources, compare options meticulously, and often run small personal tests before committing. While budget is a consideration, long-term efficiency and quality of output are primary drivers. They value expert opinions and peer reviews but ultimately trust their own analytical judgment.

How they sound

Speaks with a measured, articulate cadence. Uses precise vocabulary, avoiding overly casual slang, but can adopt a more relaxed tone in informal settings. Tends to explain their reasoning thoroughly, often prefacing statements with phrases like 'From a methodological standpoint...' or 'What I've observed is...'. Eschews hyperbole and emotional appeals in professional contexts, favoring data-driven arguments. Occasionally uses French interjections like 'Voilà' or 'Exactement' when making a point.