What do UX researchers do? Examples and benefits for companies

Last Updated on 13 December 2025

Understanding user behavior is essential for designing successful digital products.

But what do UX researchers do, and how does their work influence product strategy and business outcomes?

This article explores what user experience research means, explains what it involves, examines what it focuses on, and highlights why UX research is important for companies of all sizes.

What does UX research mean? What do UX researchers do?

So, what do UX researchers do in practice?  To answer this question, you should also know what user experience research means.

It is the systematic process of investigating users’ needs, behaviors, motivations, and challenges. The primary goal is to inform UX design decisions with evidence rather than assumptions, ensuring that your digital products genuinely solve your users’ problems.

The work of UX researchers spans multiple activities, including:

• Planning research initiatives: Defining objectives, target users, and research questions.
• Conducting qualitative studies: Interviews, focus groups, and contextual inquiries to understand user motivations and emotions.
• Running usability tests: Observing how real users interact with products to identify pain points.
• Analyzing quantitative data: Surveys, analytics, and metrics to uncover patterns and trends.
• Synthesizing insights: Turning raw data into actionable recommendations for designers and product teams.
• Collaborating with stakeholders: Working closely with designers, developers, and product managers to integrate user insights into product decisions.

Ultimately, UX researchers act as the bridge between users and the design team. They are the ones who ensure that products meet both business goals and user expectations.

What does UX research focus on? Key areas of insight

An essential question for companies is what UX research focuses on.  While the scope may vary by project, common areas of attention include:

• Usability: How easily users can navigate and complete tasks.
• Accessibility: Making products usable for people with diverse abilities.
• User motivations and goals: Understanding why users behave in specific ways.
• Pain points and frustrations: Identifying obstacles that hinder user satisfaction.
• Information architecture: Ensuring content is structured logically and intuitively.
• Interaction patterns: Observing how users engage with buttons, menus, and other interface elements.

Why is UX research important for your company? Here’s why you should care!

Many companies question why UX research is significant, particularly when their budgets are limited or time is tight. However, research is one of the most effective ways to minimize development risks, prevent costly mistakes, and create products that users actually want.

Here’s why UX research is indispensable:

1. Reduced risks and cost-savings: Early research identifies user problems before development begins, avoiding expensive redesigns.
2. Improved usability: Research uncovers friction points in navigation, content, or interactions, leading to smoother experiences.
3. Easier, informed decision-making: Insights from research help prioritize features based on what users truly need.
4. Enhanced accessibility: UX research ensures that products are inclusive, catering to users with different abilities.
5. Increased customer satisfaction: By aligning products with user expectations, companies build trust, loyalty, and long-term engagement.

Companies that invest in UX research consistently can expect to see higher conversion rates, lower support costs, and an overall stronger, more positive brand reputation.

What does UX research involve in practice? Methods and examples

Understanding what UX research involves requires a closer look at the methods and processes UX researchers use.

Broadly speaking, user experience research consists of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. By combining both approaches, UX researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of user needs and behaviors.

1. Qualitative UX research methods

Qualitative research helps uncover users’ motivations, attitudes, and emotional responses. This method is also employed by the UX researchers of Ergomania.

Common techniques include:

• In-depth interviews: One-on-one conversations to explore users’ goals and pain points more deeply than a survey would allow.
• Field studies and contextual inquiries: Observing users in their natural environment to understand real-world usage.
• Usability testing: Watching users complete tasks to spot design problems.
• Diary studies: Users document their experiences over time for richer insights.

These methods provide deep insights into the “why” behind user behavior, which cannot be fully captured through metrics alone.

2. Quantitative UX research methods

Quantitative research focuses on measurable data to identify patterns at scale. Methods include:

• Surveys: Collecting structured feedback from large user groups.
• A/B testing: Comparing different designs to see which performs better.
• Analytics review: Tracking user behavior through metrics such as click-through rates, bounce rates, and task completion times.
• Heatmaps: Visualizing where users interact most with a page or interface.

Quantitative research answers questions about “what” users do and helps teams prioritize improvements that deliver the greatest impact.

Conclusion: The benefits of UX research for companies

• Higher customer satisfaction and retention
• Reduced development costs
• Improved product usability and functionality
• Stronger brand reputation and trust
• Data-driven decision-making
• Increased conversions and revenue