UX Research: What It Is, Methods, and How to Get Started

UX research — short for user experience research — is the process of studying how real people interact with a product or service to make it more useful, usable, and enjoyable. It combines observation, interviews, usability testing, and analytics to uncover insights that guide better design decisions.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • What UX research is
  • Why UX research matters
  • The main types of UX research
  • How to conduct UX research
  • Common UX research methods
  • The best UX research tools
  • Key skills for UX researchers
  • FAQs about UX research

What Is UX Research?

UX research involves systematically gathering insights about users’ behaviours, needs, and motivations. The goal is to design products that solve real problems and deliver a positive experience.

Rather than relying on assumptions, UX research gives you evidence — through direct feedback and behavioural data — that informs design choices.

Why Is UX Research Important?

Teams that invest in UX research benefit in multiple ways:
• Build user-centred products that solve real needs
• Catch usability issues early, saving time and money
• Increase user satisfaction and retention
• Improve conversion rates by removing friction
• Reduce development waste by validating ideas before building

By learning directly from users, you reduce the guesswork in product design.

Types of UX Research

UX research typically falls into two categories:

1. Qualitative UX Research

Explores the why behind user behaviour. Methods include:

  • User interviews – Understand motivations and pain points
  • Usability testing – Watch users interact with your product
  • Field studies – Observe users in their natural environment
  • Diary studies – Track behaviour over time

2. Quantitative UX Research

Focuses on what is happening and how often. Methods include:

  • Surveys – Collect large-scale feedback
  • A/B testing – Compare variations to see which performs better
  • Analytics – Track clicks, drop-offs, and conversions
  • Best practice: Combine both approaches — a mixed methods strategy — for a complete picture.

How to Conduct UX Research

  1. Define your goals – What do you want to learn?
  2. Choose your methods – Select qualitative, quantitative, or both.
  3. Recruit participants – Ensure they represent your target users.
  4. Collect data – Use interviews, usability tests, or analytics tools.
  5. Analyse findings – Look for patterns and recurring themes.
  6. Share insights – Present results with actionable recommendations.

Common UX Research Methods

  • User Interviews – Explore attitudes, needs, and frustrations
  • Usability Testing – Observe real use and spot obstacles
  • Card Sorting – Learn how users group and label content
  • Tree Testing – Evaluate site structure without visual design
  • Surveys – Collect broad user opinions
  • Field Studies – Observe in-context behaviours
  • A/B Testing – Compare design options to see which wins

UX Research Tools

Choosing the right tools can make UX research more effective:

Hotjar – Heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback polls
ContentSquare – Advanced analytics for behaviour and engagement
Userlytics – Remote usability testing with video and screen capture
Dovetail – Organise and analyse qualitative data
Optimal Workshop – Card sorting and tree testing
Google Analytics – Track large-scale user behaviour
Miro – Visual collaboration for mapping research insights
FigJam – Collaborative whiteboard for remote synthesis

Skills for UX Researchers

Successful UX researchers tend to excel in:

  • Interviewing and facilitation
  • Observation and active listening
  • Data analysis and synthesis
  • Communication and storytelling
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams

FAQs About UX Research

Is UX research only for websites?
No. It applies to apps, software, services, and physical products.

Do small teams need UX research?
Yes. Even lightweight studies can reveal critical insights.

When should UX research happen?
Throughout the product lifecycle — before, during, and after design.

Final Thoughts

UX research is essential for building experiences that work for real people. By listening, observing, and analysing user behaviour, you create products that are not just functional — but genuinely valuable.