What is a UX researcher? How I got the job and what I do exactly
I never knew the role of a UX researcher existed until I joined a user experience boot camp by General Assembly. Little did I realize, I was always practicing user research; I just never called it that. UX researchers are a crucial aspect of the UX design process.
As a UX researcher, you’ll be responsible for gathering insights from your target audience of users, conducting usability testing, analyzing data, and much more. Anyone can become a UX researcher, in fact, you’re already a UX researcher, if you are someone who is innately curious about people, enjoy getting to know and understand people, and have a user-centric approach to problem-solving.
In this article, we’ll dive into what UX research is, what I actually do, and how I got a job as a UX researcher.
What is UX Research?
At its core, UX research is like being a detective in the world of technology. It’s about understanding how people interact with websites, apps, and digital platforms. Imagine trying to figure out why certain roller coasters at a theme park are always packed while others gather dust. That’s what I do but with digital experiences.
I delve into the minds of users, discovering what makes them frustrated, what delights them, and what keeps them coming back for more. As a UX researcher, I’ve honed the skills to uncover these insights and use them to shape user-friendly designs. 🎢🔍📱
What do I do as a UX Researcher?
In my first role as a UX researcher, I worked at a startup on a cooking and grocery app called YoRipe. We were designing a mobile app that enabled people to easily find recipes for the ingredients that they had at home.
I would conduct user interviews with people to understand how they prepare what to cook for lunch the next day. Understanding all the steps that go into finding a recipe they like, buying the ingredients they need, and cooking the dish is an example of the kind of work I would do as a user researcher.
I might also explore if they found the recommended recipes useful or if you didn’t even notice them. As we were building a mobile application, I would look at specific buttons on the application to understand if it was confusing or intuitive to explore. These are just some examples of the tasks and responsibilities I have as a UX researcher, I also carried out exploratory research as it was a brand new product in the market.
Analyzing data and creating reports
Analyzing data and creating reports are crucial deliverables in UX research to help your team make informed decisions based on user feedback and insight. The insights in your report will guide the decision-making process for the UX designer, project manager, UI designer, and so forth.
It involves reviewing data collected through user interviews, surveys, usability tests, or any other research method to identify patterns and trends in the data and present the findings in a clear and concise manner through reports. To do this well, it’s important to have a solid understanding of data analysis methods, software tools, and design skills to visually represent data effectively.
Collaborating with a UX designer and other team members
Collaborating with UX designers and other team members involves effective communication and teamwork to achieve common goals in UX research projects. I like to get the entire team involved. Trust me, it helps to get them involved early on in the process, as it helps you gain buy-in for the research later.
I like to get involved with regular team meetings. Setting shared goals and objectives, and keeping everyone on the same page can help ensure smooth and successful collaboration. In the next section, I’ll dive deeper into the different types of research a UX researcher would conduct.
What types of UX Research methods do I use as a UX Researcher?
There are many types of UX research methods, here are some of the ones I use as a UX Researcher:
Conducting user interviews and surveys as a UX Researcher
Conducting user interviews and surveys is a critical aspect of UX research that involves gathering information from your target user group through direct face-to-face conversations or remote video calls and questionnaires. This qualitative research helps UX researchers understand user needs, preferences, and behaviors.
To carry out user interviews and surveys effectively, it’s important to plan, prepare, and triangulate both user interviews and surveys effectively and to ask relevant, open-ended questions to gain in-depth insights. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the participant selection process is unbiased and that ethical considerations are considered.
Conducting usability tests as a UX Researcher
Conducting usability tests involves evaluating a product or website by having real users perform specific tasks while observing their behavior and gathering feedback. This provides insights into areas for improvement and helps ensure a positive user experience.
To kick-start usability tests, create a research plan, have a focused area of the website or application that you will assess, create a task list, recruit participants, and create a testing environment that mimics the actual use of the product.
Observe and take notes during the tests, and analyze the results to identify any pain points or areas for improvement during user testing. For example, if you create a research plan to understand the usability issues with the onboarding of users on the mobile application you are working on, you will then create a task list of all the activities the user must be able to execute on their onboarding journey, and so forth.
What types of Skills and Qualifications do You need to become a UX Researcher?
To be a successful UX Researcher, knowledge of research methodologies and techniques is crucial (you must learn how to identify the right tool for the job). As well as strong analytical skills and excellent communication skills to effectively convey research findings.
Familiarity with data analysis tools as well as design, and prototyping tools. Additionally, having a strong understanding of the design thinking process, the UX tools required to carry out user research workshops as well as the ability to conduct user interviews and conduct usability testing, are important skills for UX Researchers to have.
These skills, along with a well-crafted research plan, will allow UX Researchers to gather insights about their target users and contribute to the overall research strategy and product development process.
Knowledge of research methodologies and techniques
There are a ton of research methods, such as surveys, card sorting, concept testing, field research, and more. Learn the methods and be able to select the right method for the problem you are solving. Then you will be able to execute these methods effectively and efficiently to gather reliable and valid data that can inform the design process and improve the user experience.
Strong analytical skills
Strong analytical skills are crucial to process, interpret, and make sense of large amounts of user data. To improve these skills, you can practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis techniques, as well as utilizing tools such as spreadsheets and data visualization software.
Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and participating in ongoing professional development opportunities can also help you develop skills that enhance analytical abilities. For example, I got certified as a scrum master to enhance my workshop facilitation and team management skills.
Excellent communication skills
Excellent communication skills are essential to effectively convey research findings and insights to design and development teams. To execute, practice active listening, be clear and concise in verbal and written communication, and present research findings in an engaging and understandable manner.
Seek feedback from colleagues and continuously strive to improve communication skills. Toward the end of the workshops I facilitate, I send out a survey to all participants for feedback on how I can improve for the next workshop. In my perspective, don’t wait to send this out, have them complete it immediately after the workshop for their most honest feedback.
Knowledge of data analysis tools
To effectively analyze user data, a UX researcher should have knowledge of data analysis tools such as spreadsheets, data visualization software, and statistical analysis tools such as HotJar, Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, or Amplitude (you don’t have to learn all the tools, just the one your company uses).
These tools are key to decoding user metrics and triangulating ux research. To develop this skill, one can take online courses, attend workshops, and gain hands-on experience by analyzing real data sets. It is also important to regularly stay updated on new tools and techniques in the field.
Familiarity with design and prototyping tools
Familiarity with design and prototyping tools is essential to effectively communicating their findings and recommendations to design and development teams. Get familiar with tools such as Figma, Marvel, Sketch, InVision, Adobe XD, or Balsamiq (you don’t have to learn all the design and prototyping tools just learn the one your company uses).
BEST FOR non designers
Uizard
Uizard is the best tool for UX researchers, who require a quick and effortless prototype [no design skills necessary]. With its intuitive user interface, and user-friendly features, Uizard empowers users to transform their ideas into interactive prototypes without any coding skills. The platform’s AI-powered technology analyzes hand-drawn sketches or wireframes, converting them into fully functional UI designs within minutes. Its drag-and-drop functionality further simplifies the process, enabling rapid iteration and experimentation.
How I got a job as a UX Researcher (and how you can too)?
Earning a degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, sociology, or human-computer interaction
My educational background is in Psychology. Before I entered university, I had an innate curiosity about humans. How they think, why they behave the way they do, and what motivates us as humans. This curiosity led me to take a degree in Psychology. My curiosity for the human mind also led me to take on a teaching role at a kindergarten, where I became a preschool teacher.
So I would start here, if I were you, by earning a degree in a related field, such as psychology, sociology, or human-computer interaction. These degrees provide a solid foundation in the principles and theories behind human behavior and technology use, which are crucial to understanding user needs and developing effective solutions.
Additionally, a degree in these fields demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has a serious commitment to the field and the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a UX researcher.
Gaining experience through a UX Design BootCamp, internships or volunteer work
Fast forward to when I wanted to transition into a career in UX Design, I took on a BootCamp by General Assembly: UX Design Immersive. It was a full-time 12 week course in Singapore. This boot camp helped me land my first role in UX Research as a UI/UX Designer and Researcher.
But there are other routes you can take; for example, you could gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. By participating in real-world projects, you can develop a deep understanding of user research methods and practices, network with UX professionals in the field, and build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and abilities.
In addition, internships and volunteer opportunities provide opportunities to learn from experienced UX researchers, get hands-on experience with UX research tools and techniques, and gain valuable insights into the UX research process.
Building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your research skills
Build a portfolio that showcases your research skills, including conducting user interviews and usability testing. Having a portfolio that showcases your research skills is mandatory to landing a UX role in 2023 and beyond.
A portfolio demonstrates your knowledge and experience in conducting user research, analyzing data, and presenting findings. It also allows you to present a clear picture of your approach to research, including the research methods and techniques you have used.
Moreover, a portfolio showcases your abilities and provides hiring managers, clients, and business partners with a sense of your skills, capabilities, and past work. A portfolio is also one of the first items a hiring manager will assess to gauge your capabilities and decide if they would like to go forward with interviewing you for the role.
Networking with other professionals in the field
Network with UX researchers, attend UX research conferences, and join online UX communities to stay up-to-date on industry developments and improve your research skills. Networking with other UX professionals is important as by connecting with others in the industry, you can gain valuable insights, stay up-to-date on new trends, and build a professional network that can support your career growth.
Attending events, participating in online communities, and seeking mentorship opportunities are great ways to network and build relationships with other UX researchers. When I first started in UX, I attended the Global Service Jam where I met my UX research mentor.
Career Paths for UX Researchers
UX researchers have a variety of career paths to choose from, including working in-house at a company, becoming an independent consultant, or working at a design agency.
In-house UX researcher at a company
Working in-house involves conducting user research, usually just on one product, to gather insights and inform design decisions. To pursue this career path, one should have strong foundational skills in UX research methods, design thinking, and the ability to analyze data. Building a portfolio that showcases your skills and networking with industry professionals can also help increase your chances of landing a role as an in-house UX researcher.
Independent Consultant
An independent consultant is a career path for those who want to work independently, offering their research services to various clients. To become a successful independent consultant, one needs to have a strong portfolio of previous research projects, networking skills to find clients, and the ability to manage their own time and resources. It’s also important to continue learning and staying up-to-date with the latest UX research methods, tools, and techniques to offer valuable insights to clients.
Being a UX researcher at a design agency
Working at a design agency usually involves working with different clients, which means different products at different stages of the design cycle simultaneously. To become a researcher at a design agency, you should focus on developing a solid understanding of user-centered design.
You should also learn about the different UX research methods. Get hands-on experience conducting usability testing, user interviews, and analyzing data. It helps to know how to manage stakeholders well, as you will be dealing with a variety of clients.
Networking with UX professionals, participating in online communities, and showcasing a well-crafted research plan can also help increase the chances of being hired by a design agency.
UX Researcher Salary and Job Outlook
According to PayScale, the median annual salary for UX researchers was within the $85,000 range in January 2023. The demand for UX researchers is expected to grow in the coming years as more businesses prioritize user-centered design in product development. As UX research becomes increasingly crucial in the tech industry, the job outlook for UX researchers remains positive.
Wrapping Up
If you’re interested in becoming a UX researcher, embrace a “learn as you go” mentality, be open to new challenges, and seek help from peers and mentors as needed.
Starting a career as a UX researcher can seem overwhelming, but it is important to remember that learning and growing are integral parts of the process. As a beginner, focus on being open to new opportunities and take on projects that challenge your skillset.
Be confident in your ability to learn on the job and don’t hesitate to reach out to peers or mentors for support. Embrace the challenge and push yourself out of your comfort zone to gain experience and build a solid foundation in UX research.
FAQ
What is a UX researcher’s salary?
According to PayScale, the median annual salary for UX researchers was within the $85,000 range in January 2023.
What degree do you need to be a UX Researcher?
The education requirements for UX Researchers vary, but having a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field can be beneficial. There is no specific degree required to become a UX Researcher, but having a strong foundation in design thinking, user-centered design, and research methods is essential. If you don’t go the degree route, go the bootcamp route.
Is being a UX researcher a stressful job?
UX research can be challenging, as it requires a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills, but with practice and experience, it can become easier.
