User experience (UX) research has become an increasingly popular and in-demand field over the past several years. As technology continues to advance and consumers expect seamless digital experiences, companies are investing more in understanding user behaviors, needs, and pain points through UX research.
But is UX research difficult to get into for those looking to switch careers or get started in the field? Here we’ll examine the background, skills, and experience needed to become a UX researcher as well as the job outlook.
What is UX research?
UX research involves understanding users and their needs, behaviors, and motivations to design intuitive and user-friendly products and services. UX researchers utilize various qualitative and quantitative methods to study target users and evaluate products and interfaces.
Some common UX research methods include:
- User interviews
- Usability testing
- Surveys
- Focus groups
- User analytics
- A/B testing
- Card sorting
- Contextual inquiry
UX researchers collaborate with various teams including product managers, designers, and engineers to help guide design and development decisions. Their insights help companies create products and digital experiences that are intuitive, useful, and meaningful for end users.
What skills are required?
While there are diverse backgrounds and paths to becoming a UX researcher, some key skills are commonly needed:
Qualitative and quantitative research skills
A solid grasp of both qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential for conducting in-depth and statistically valid studies. You’ll need to understand how to gather and analyze meaningful data.
Analytical skills
The ability to interpret data, find patterns and insights, and make evidence-based recommendations is critical for UX researchers. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills allow researchers to synthesize findings into actionable steps.
Empathy
UX research is fundamentally about understanding other people – their needs, emotions, and thinking. Researchers should be able to step into the shoes of target users and infer their mental models to gain key insights.
Communication and collaboration
Collaborating with various teams like product, design, and engineering is an important part of the job. UX researchers need to be able to clearly communicate research goals, methods, findings, and recommendations to drive change.
Creativity and problem-solving
Research doesn’t always go as planned. When challenges come up, you need to flexibly adapt your approach while maintaining research rigor. Creative problem-solving helps overcome obstacles.
What kind of experience is needed?
While there are no set prerequisites, some experience conducting user research and collaborating with cross-functional teams is extremely beneficial. Here are some common backgrounds of UX researchers:
- Human computer interaction (HCI)
- Human factors
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Cognitive science
- Market research
- Design
- Computer science
Related work experience could include usability testing, focus groups, ethnographic research, surveys, interviews, and data analysis. Transferable skills from social sciences, analytics, and design roles are advantageous.
Education
Many UX researchers have at least a bachelor’s degree, commonly in fields like psychology, human-computer interaction, anthropology, or cognitive science. However, educational backgrounds can widely vary.
Higher degrees like master’s or PhDs are sometimes obtained but not necessarily required. They can be beneficial for more technical research roles or research leadership positions.
Portfolio
Developing a portfolio showcasing UX research skills and experience can greatly help your chances of getting hired as a researcher. Include case studies demonstrating your abilities to conduct studies, analyze data, find insights, and make research-based recommendations.
How competitive is the field?
The field is definitely competitive, but that competitiveness varies significantly based on factors like your location, experience level, and company type. Entry-level opportunities are the most competitive.
It can take persistence to get your first UX research role. But the demand for researchers continues to grow. Once you have a couple years of experience conducting studies and influencing product design, many more doors will open up.
UX Researcher Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), user research roles are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade:
Occupation | Projected Growth (2020-2030) |
---|---|
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 22% (Much faster than avg) |
Social Science Research Assistants | 24% (Much faster than avg) |
This demand is fueled by the prevalence of digital products and the importance of understanding user needs and behavior in their development. Businesses recognize the ROI of UX research for reducing risk and increasing customer adoption.
How can I gain entry-level experience?
There are many strategies for getting your foot in the door without prior professional UX research experience:
Look for UX internships and apprenticeships
Paid internships and apprenticeships allow you to gain hands-on experience and make professional connections. Large companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook offer highly competitive programs.
Consider volunteer or pro bono work
Volunteering for a nonprofit organization or community group provides opportunities to practice conducting user research that drives real outcomes.
Pursue a mentorship
Finding an experienced researcher mentor provides guidance as you build expertise. They can provide feedback on your portfolio and connect you to opportunities.
Attend UX events and conferences
Events get you plugged into local UX communities. They provide networking with researchers and recruiters along with workshops to build skills.
Develop your research portfolio
Creating a portfolio of research projects demonstrates skills even without professional experience. Case studies from classroom projects, independent research, and volunteer work all build credibility.
Get a related role
User interviewer, survey programmer, data analyst, or user support roles develop transferable skills. They get your foot in the door to transition into research positions.
What about learning UX research skills online?
Online learning can be a flexible way to start developing UX research expertise, methods, and mindsets. There are a growing number of courses, certificates, and degree programs offered through e-learning platforms.
Some popular online options for building UX research skills include:
- General Assembly’s User Experience Design Immersive
- Coursera’s Become a UX Researcher from Google certificate
- Springboard’s User Experience Design Career Track
- LinkedIn Learning paths like Become a User Experience Researcher
- Interaction Design Foundation UX Research courses
Online learning provides a structured way to gain skills and credibility especially when transitioning from another field. But real-world experience remains critical – you’ll still need to apply those skills through internships, projects, or volunteer work.
Conclusion
Breaking into the UX research field takes persistence, but demand for skilled researchers makes it a promising career path. While academic background in social sciences helps, you can build valuable expertise through online learning, portfolios, mentorships, and hands-on experience.
Entry-level opportunities involve more competition, but the field’s rapid growth opens up positions for those able to demonstrate research abilities. Passion for understanding users, tenacity for solving problems, and aptitude for transforming insights into design improvements will serve you well in UX research.