Recently, we conducted a survey for our newsletter, and one of the feedback was, “Please cover UX research.” We hear you.

UX research is the foundation of UX design and encompasses various levels. Depending on your current position and experience, we recommend some good classical resources as a starter.

UX team of one

If you are new to product design or working as a lone UX wolf, check out The User Experience Team of One and start building your UX toolkit. Understanding when to use each tool will come with experience and practice.

Tip 1. Learn the basics first

​Numerous research methods are available, but it’s best to start with the basic and commonly used ones, such as user surveys, user interviews, user personas, affinity mapping, and competitor analysis. Experiment with them to learn more about them, but apply them selectively when working on real projects.

Tip 2. Start with a clear research goal

If you are asked to present your findings to the product team or stakeholders, what do you want to show them? What questions are on their minds that you can help provide clarification for? Before conducting any research, ask yourself how you can connect the research with product and business goals.

Tip 3. Pick tangible research methods

When you are a UX team of one, it is a design constraint that you need to consider. Good research involves a lot of planning and thinking. Collecting data is just the beginning. The true value shines when you apply what you have learned.

UX researchers are your best friends

If you are fortunate enough to work with user researchers, consider them your closest allies. Ideally, research should be a collaborative effort within a team.

"Bad design gets out in the world not because the people working on it lack skills but often because the decision-making process is broken. Fixing that is a team effort that has to go bottom-up, top-down, and all the way across." —— Erika Hall, Author of Just Enough Research

Tip 1. Tell UX researchers what you are looking for as a designer

UX researchers are professionals in research methodologies but they are not designers. Sharing your questions beforehand can help them understand what you are seeking, and they can help articulate the information during the research process.

Tip 2. Attend UX interview/usability testing sessions

Nothing can beat real-life experience. Sitting in UX interviews or usability sessions will be an eye-opening experience that connects you with your end users. Be open-minded, and you will definitely learn a lot.