What should be my first steps as Director of User Experience?
If there are other designers who report to you, set up regular 1-on-1 meetings. They'll tell you where the problem spots are.
Arrange interviews with users. They too will tell you what the problems are.
Meet with the executives. What's their vision for the product?
Armed with this knowledge, map out where the product needs improvement and then pick something small to get an easy win right off the bat. if there's been no one in your position, it'll be good to demonstrate value quickly.
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