What Is a UX Researcher? How to Get the Job

UX researchers study users to gather and analyze information that helps guide product design. They make sure that the product meets users' needs and expectations.

To create products that users will love, you first need to understand who your users are and what they need. This is where UX research comes in. UX researchers collect and study data about users, which informs product decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore what UX researchers do, how they work, and the steps you can take to start or grow your career in this field.
 

What Is UX Research?

When creating a new product or improving an existing one, the first step is to think about your users. Who are they? Where are they from? What do they want? Why do they need it? How can your product help them achieve their goals?

As a UX researcher, your job is to answer these questions. Instead of relying on guesses or personal opinions, you will design a research plan to find accurate answers based on real data. You become a voice for the users, making sure their needs are part of the product development process.
 

Types of UX Research

UX research usually involves two main types: qualitative and quantitative research. Let’s take a quick look at both and when each is useful.

• Quantitative Research focuses on numbers and statistics. For example, in usability testing, you might measure how long it takes users to complete a task, how many people succeed, and how many problems or bugs they face. These numbers are especially useful when comparing with earlier versions of the product or competitors’ products.

• Qualitative Research looks at non-numerical insights, such as why users had trouble with a task or how they felt while using a product. If quantitative research tells you what happened, qualitative research helps explain why it happened.

Another way to think about research is by dividing it into behavioral and attitudinal research.

• Behavioral Research: This looks at what users do. For example, where do they click on a page? What path do they take to navigate through an app?

• Attitudinal Research: This type of research explores how users feel about their experience, focusing on their opinions and attitudes.
   

UX Research Methods

As a UX designer, you need to choose the right research method to get answers to specific questions. There are many different ways to gather information from users. Below are some common UX research methods:

•  Card Sorting: In this method, users organize topics into groups that make sense to them and name these groups. This helps designers create apps and websites that are easy to use and navigate.

• Usability Testing: Participants try to complete tasks with a product while you watch. This lets you see how well they can finish the tasks, how fast they do it, what problems they face, and how happy they are with the process.

• A/B Testing: This method compares two versions of a product to see which one users prefer. It can be done by showing different versions of a webpage to various visitors or by sending different emails to different groups of people.

• User Interviews: These are one-on-one conversations, either in person or online, to learn what users want or to get feedback on a product. If interviews are done with several people at the same time, it's called a focus group.

• Surveys and Questionnaires:Surveys help you collect both opinions and numbers. By asking the same questions over time, you can see how a product improves throughout its development.

• Diary Studies: In this method, users keep a diary of their daily activities for a certain period. This gives you a better understanding of how and when they use your product in real life.

• Contextual Observation: Here, you observe users in their real environment, like at home or work, instead of in a lab. You ask questions while watching how they use your product to understand their behavior better.

• First Click Testing: This type of testing shows you what users click on first when they try to complete a task on a website or app. You can use this on a live site, prototype, or wireframe to improve navigation.
   

What Does a UX Researcher Do?

Now that you know about UX research, let’s look at what a UX researcher does daily. UX researchers work with designers and product teams to make sure the product meets user needs from start to finish. They use different tools and skills to collect data and improve the design.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities of a UX Researcher

A UX researcher’s daily tasks can vary depending on the project or company. However, here are some common responsibilities you may handle as a UX researcher:

• Collaborating with Designers and Stakeholders: Working with design teams and key decision-makers to understand what kind of research is needed for the project.

• Defining Research Questions: Identifying the key questions that need to be answered and choosing the best methods to gather the necessary data.

• Developing Budgets and Timelines: Planning out how much time and money the research will require, and creating a schedule for the project.

• Recruiting Participants: Finding and selecting people who will take part in research studies, ensuring they represent the target users.

• Conducting Research and Analyzing Data: Carrying out various research methods, collecting data, and analyzing it to identify trends and insights.

• Transforming Findings into Insights: Turning your research results into clear, actionable insights that can help improve the design of the product.

• Presenting Findings: Sharing your research results with designers, developers, and stakeholders to guide product development decisions.
   

Essential Skills and Tools for UX Researchers

Successful UX researchers develop a range of skills to effectively understand current and future users. If you’re thinking about a career in UX research, here are some key skills to focus on:

• Communication Skills: Much of the role involves collaborating with design teams and interacting with research participants to answer important questions.

• Empathy: Being able to understand users' expectations, frustrations, goals, and thought processes helps you create solutions that address their real needs.

• Design Thinking: Familiarity with the design thinking process—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—can enhance your understanding of target users at every stage.

• Problem Solving: Being able to critically evaluate the questions you want to answer through research will guide you in choosing the right research methods.

• Curiosity: A natural curiosity can lead you to ask deeper questions and uncover valuable insights.

• Collaboration: As a UX researcher, you’ll often work closely with developers, designers, product managers, and other team members to ensure the best product is created.
   

Other Roles in UI/UX

Research is just one part of the broader UI/UX design field. If you’re interested in this area, here are other positions to consider:

• UX Designers: They focus on making products that are usable, useful, and enjoyable for users.

• UI Designers:These professionals create the visual elements of computer and electronic interfaces.

• Information Architects: They organize and manage information to make it easy to access and understand.

• UX Engineers: Also known as developers, they translate design concepts into functional code.

• Interaction Designers: They focus on the interaction moments between users and products. This role can be separate or combined with UX/UI design tasks.
   

Why Pursue a Career as a UX Researcher?

If you are naturally curious and enjoy collaborating with a team, a career in UX research may be a great choice for you. This field is in high demand and offers competitive salaries.
 

UX Researcher Salary

According to the Onward Search Salary Guide for 2020, over half of UX researchers earn $88,600 or more. Additionally, about 75% of user researchers make more than $79,300 annually.
 

Job Outlook

User researchers are among the most sought-after digital creative professionals. A report from Onward Search noted that the demand for these roles is growing rapidly. CNNMoney’s list of the 100 Best Jobs in America projected a 19% job growth rate for UX researchers from 2017 to 2027.
 

How to Become a UX Researcher

The role of a UX researcher is relatively new, which means there isn’t a single path to entering this field. Many UX researchers are self-taught, while others transition from different careers. Here are some tips to help you pursue a career in UX research:

1. Get a Degree in Technology or Behavioral Science

Most UX researcher positions require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t always need to be in a UX-related field. Degrees in technology or behavioral and social sciences can be very helpful. Here are some majors to consider if you’re interested in UX:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychology
• Statistics or Applied Statistics
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Design
• Anthropology

While these majors represent a variety of fields, it's important to note that UX researchers come from diverse backgrounds. Many individuals discover UX after they’ve already completed their degrees. If you have a degree in an unrelated area, don’t worry; there are many ways to develop your UX skills through self-study, workshops, and online courses.
 

2. Develop Your User Research Skills

In addition to earning a degree, there are many ways to learn about user research tools and techniques while honing your skills. Depending on your learning preferences, consider the following methods to build your skill set:

• Complete the Google UX Design Professional Certificate: Offered on Coursera, this program guides you through the entire design process, with a dedicated module on user research.

• Engage in Hands-On Practice:Try creating an A/B test for a webpage, analyzing UX survey data, or presenting research findings using empathy maps. Each of these projects can typically be completed in under two hours.

• Utilize Free Resources: Explore blogs and podcasts to familiarize yourself with industry terminology and stay updated on the latest trends in UX research.

• Enroll in Additional Courses or UX Bootcamps: Some universities provide UX research certificates or specializations for those who aren’t seeking a full degree.
   

Learn more: Top 9 Skills Every UX Designer Needs in 2024
 

3. Gain UX Research Experience

When browsing job postings for UX researcher roles, you may notice that many require related work experience. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait for a formal job to start gaining practical experience. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Volunteer Your Skills: Offer your UX research expertise to local small businesses or non-profits. Organizations like UX Rescue, Catchafire, and Code for America can help match your skills with suitable opportunities.

• Apply for Internships: Many large companies, such as Google, Meta, Adobe, Apple, and Microsoft, offer UX internships that may include a research component. The application process typically involves submitting an application and going through an interview. Keep an eye on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter for openings, and regularly check the careers section of companies you’re interested in.

• Join a Hackathon Team: Participate in hackathons, which are fast-paced events focused on software development. These events are great opportunities to apply your UX research skills, network with other professionals, and collaborate on projects that can enhance your portfolio. Visit sites like hackathon.io or check out the Hackathon Hackers Facebook group to find teams and events in your area.
   

4. Build Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is crucial for showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. It serves as a key element in your job applications. As you take courses, complete projects, or volunteer, be sure to document your work and include your best and most recent projects in your portfolio.

You can host your portfolio on your own website, using popular platforms like Wix or Squarespace. Alternatively, you can utilize LinkedIn or a GitHub repository to showcase your work for free.
 

5. Grow Your Network

Begin building a network within the UX industry. This network can include colleagues from your current job, members of UX research organizations, or participants in online UX communities. Networking is often an effective way to learn about new opportunities and connect with potential employers. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to expand your connections and stay updated on the latest trends in UX research.