How to become a UX researcher (and what UX researchers actually do)

If you’ve ever wondered about a career that combines detective work, problem-solving, and a passion for improving user experiences, then working as a user experience (UX) researcher might be the path for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to become a UX researcher, the ins and outs of the role, and the skills and knowledge required to excel in this field.

What is a UX researcher?

A UX researcher shapes user experiences by meticulously gathering and analyzing user data. Picture them as the detectives of the user experience realm, searching for clues and reviewing evidence to understand user needs and preferences.

Through research methods like surveys, interviews, and usability tests, they delve into users’ psyches to extract actionable insights. This information is invaluable and informs the UX design process by bridging the gap between user expectations and product functionality. By grounding design decisions in evidence and research, UX researchers ensure that end products resonate with users, leading to more intuitive and satisfying user experiences.

What makes a good UX researcher?

UX researchers are integral to creating user-friendly products that fulfill consumer desires and exceed expectations. To succeed in the role, these professionals must possess particular traits and skills. Here are some essential qualities required for the position.

Attention to detail

Successful UX researchers must have a keen eye for detail to analyze and interpret data accurately and thoroughly and draw meaningful conclusions. Attention to detail is particularly important during testing phases, when even the most minor details and patterns could impact user satisfaction.

For example, UX researchers should be able to spot visual issues in processes like kerning — or adjusting the spacing between individual letters to create a more visually appealing result. These focused observations guide design improvements and ensure the end product is user-friendly and intuitive.

Assertive listening and communication

Listening actively and assertively is crucial for your work as a UX researcher. Beyond being generally helpful in the workplace, strong communication skills specifically support the multiple steps in the UX research process.

Asking the right questions during interviews and surveys and listening for and understanding users’ needs and desires — even when unspoken — are key. For instance, if a participant expresses difficulty with a feature during usability testing, assertive listening helps the researcher notice their struggle and probe further.

Effective communication also enables you to convey your findings to the design and management teams clearly and concisely.

Analytical and critical thinking

UX research often involves complex datasets, so a highly analytical mindset will be beneficial. You’ll need to evaluate data, spot trends, and identify pain points in the user journey. A critical mindset will help you question assumptions and challenge established ideas.

Creativity is also important, as researchers must be able to think outside the box to design research studies that provide valuable insights. For example, when examining user behavior data, a UX researcher would detect subtle shifts in usage patterns that may indicate a design flaw or a new user need.

What does a UX researcher do?

On a practical level, a UX researcher’s daily tasks are diverse and encompass a range of responsibilities, all serving to reveal insights into the user’s needs and inform design choices.

Here are some of the primary tasks in the UX research process:

• Analyzing data and gathering feedback. UX researchers collect and assess data from various research methods such as surveys, user interviews, and usability tests. This data serves as the foundation for developing user personas that direct design decisions.
• Recruiting end users for research studies. End users are the individuals who participate in studies during the UX research process. UX researchers seek volunteers who are willing to offer insights and feedback on new product features and designs. This recruitment may involve reaching out to personal networks, posting study ads on relevant online communities, and offering incentives to participate, like gift cards or cash rewards.
• Presenting insights to the UX design team. A critical aspect of the UX research process is sharing insights with the UX design team. After gathering and analyzing data, the researcher must present their findings in a concise and straightforward way using effective visualization tools so developers can incorporate feedback into future iterations of the product.
• Supporting the project strategy. UX researchers must work closely with the product team to help shape the overall project strategy. This involves deciphering user behaviors and communicating them to collaborators in a way that aligns with the team’s development approach.
• Maintaining the learning process. Staying up to date with the latest UX research techniques and tools is crucial as the field continually evolves. Researchers must constantly learn from user feedback about their information-gathering process and adapt their research methods as necessary for smooth operations.

UX researchers and their backgrounds

If you lack experience in research design or any of the above-mentioned areas, you can still embark on a career in this field.

UX researchers come from various and sometimes seemingly unrelated educational backgrounds, such as psychology, marketing, sociology, anthropology, and more. Educational diversity enriches perspectives and contributes to a broad understanding of end users and their needs.

UX researchers with backgrounds in psychology, for example, might bring valuable insights into human behavior and motivation. In contrast, those with marketing backgrounds could excel in understanding user preferences and market trends.

7 steps to become a UX researcher

Understanding the characteristics and responsibilities of a UX researcher is the first step in pursuing a career in this field. Ready to dive in? Here are the next steps to becoming a UX researcher.

1. Nurture your UX knowledge

Immerse yourself in UX-related publications, books, blogs, and online courses. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in UX, UI design, and related areas so you’re prepared to speak with authority and intelligently answer job interview questions. You can also attend industry events and conferences to learn directly from experts. This industry knowledge will help you better comprehend the grand objective behind the UX research process.

2. Consider your educational background

While optional, a degree in fields such as psychology, sociology, or human-computer interaction is often beneficial to preparing for a UX research career. You can also pursue UX certifications and bootcamps, which will directly help you gain practical industry-related skills in UX that are in demand today.

3. Hone your technical and soft skills

UX researchers rely on specific technical skills, such as conducting qualitative research or creating user journey maps to help evaluate user experience effectively. You can develop these capabilities through online courses, workshops, and personal projects.

Also, focus on developing soft skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, which will help you understand user needs effectively.

4. Practice using UX research tools

Familiarize yourself with the current UX tools commonly used in UX research, such as user testing platforms, survey software, and data analytics tools. Proficiency in these resources is essential for effective research and analysis. The tools you’ll rely on to create user-centric designs change continuously, so staying up to date with the latest in the industry is vital.

5. Gain practical experience

Nothing can replace hands-on experience in preparing you for a successful career as a UX researcher. Take on as many research projects as possible to gain exposure, even if they’re personal or volunteer-based. This practical experience will help you hone your skills and build a portfolio to impress potential employers as you apply for UX researcher positions.

6. Build a professional network

Networking is vital to success in any field. Attend UX conferences, join UX research organizations, and connect with other professionals on social media to broaden your reach. For further involvement, join industry groups and UX forums to ask questions and interact with like-minded individuals. Maintaining a solid network can open doors to job opportunities and collaboration, so strive to nurture those connections for long-term professional relationships.

7. Polish your resume and portfolio

Your resume and portfolio are your calling cards in the job search process. Make sure these materials showcase your skills, most impressive projects, and accomplishments to highlight your expertise in UX research. Keeping these documents well-structured and visually appealing helps ensure you appear professionally polished to recruiters and interviewers.

Step into a UX research career with Webflow

If you want to learn more about design, user experience, and how to embark on a UX research career path, head to the Webflow blog. You’ll find resources such as informative, industry-relevant content and stories from other designers and teams.

When you’re ready to create a website to host your digital portfolio, Webflow’s visual web design platform can help you build a powerful and aesthetically pleasing site — with no coding necessary. Explore Webflow today and make your UX career aspirations a reality.