Our Team
Gabriel Arden
Gabriel Krikor Arden is one of the founders of Community Lore, a research company redefining how and where we access meaningful human insight. With over a decade of experience in user experience research, behavioral science, and applied psychology, Gabe brings a rare mix of analytical rigor, emotional intelligence, and creative strategy to every engagement.
Most recently serving as a Principal UX Researcher at Optum, Gabe led high-impact research across healthcare platforms, guiding product teams toward evidence-based, user-centered decisions. His past work includes roles at Meta, Rosetta Stone, and OHSU, spanning everything from AI facial coding studies to adolescent brain development, often blending scientific method with a humanistic based lens.
Gabe holds a Master’s in Research Psychology from San Jose State and a Bachelors in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz. He is formally trained in the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), and his research roots are grounded in understanding nuance: mood, motivation, intention, and environment. He’s also a former intelligence officer and trained interviewer, giving him a uniquely tuned ear for subtext and truth.
Community Lore is Gabe’s next chapter… a love letter to qualitative research, art, and local culture. His vision: create spaces where people feel relaxed, valued, and curious, so that companies don’t just get better data, they become better listeners.
Gareth Meeson
Gareth Meeson is one of the founders of Community Lore, a research company redefining how and where we access meaningful human insight. With a background in UX research, human factors, and psychology, Gareth brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to understanding user needs and shaping products that serve them well.
Most recently a Senior UX Researcher at Optum, Gareth led research that improved healthcare experiences for a diverse range of users. Prior to that, he worked as a UX Researcher at Google and as a Project Manager and Researcher at VGMarket, conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. His experience spans interviews, surveys, usability testing, user storytelling, and issue analysis—always grounded in curiosity and care.
Gareth holds a Master’s in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San José State University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from CSU Monterey Bay. He is known for his empathy, communication skills, and ability to connect deeply with both individuals and teams. His research is driven by a passion for learning, listening, and making sure that user voices are not only heard but respected.
Community Lore reflects Gareth’s belief that good research is a form of advocacy. He’s building a space where people feel seen, where companies ask better questions, and where insight leads to more inclusive, thoughtful design.