UX Research

User research, usability testing, design research

Research is fundamental to the UX process, as organisations want to ensure their products are being developed in correspondence with genuine user need, rather than assumptions, or starting with a product and working backwards. Although the UX research field is growing across sectors, demand is currently strongest at larger product companies and consultancies.

UX research roles can often be split into one of two methodological tracks. Qualitative research positions look at interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry and diary studies, where the work aims to find the ‘why’ behind user behaviour. Quantitative and mixed-method roles use survey design, statistical analysis and working with analytics teams to find patterns at scale. Although junior and mid-level roles may specialise in one, senior researchers are often expected to be able to work across both quantitative and qualitative work.

UX research job descriptions often mention generative and evaluative research. Generative work looks for unmet user needs and shaping the thinking at an early stage of product development, while evaluative research is more interested testing concepts, prototypes or live products. It is important to be able to explain when and why each approach is valuable.

As well as different survey platforms, these roles may use tools including Dovetail, Lookback, UserZoom, Optimal Workshop.

More senior UX researchers will be able to build and advocate for a research practice, rather than just execute studies.