How to Become a UX Researcher [+Tools and Resources]

Embarking on a career as a UX researcher involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to transition into this role, understanding the key steps and requirements is essential.

This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the path to becoming a successful UX researcher.

Let’s dive in!

TL;DR

A UX researcher in SaaS specializes in understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through various research methods to inform product design and development.
A career in UX research involves progressing through various roles, each with increasing responsibility and expertise. Here’s a typical career progression for a UX Researcher:
- Junior UX Researcher
- UX Researcher
- Senior UX Researcher
- Lead UX Researcher
- UX Research Manager
- Director of UX Research
- Vice President (VP) of UX Research
To become a UX Researcher, start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, human-computer interaction, design, or a related discipline.
Coursework in these programs often includes user research methods, statistics, cognitive psychology, and design principles. Gaining practical experience through internships is crucial; look for opportunities at tech companies, design firms, or startups where you can work on real projects and build a portfolio.
UX researchers can leverage a range of tools to improve their work: Userpilot assists in user onboarding and feedback collection, while Monday.com and Jira Software aid in project and product management respectively, etc.
Looking into tools for UX researchers? Userpilot is an all-in-one product platform with engagement features and powerful analytics capabilities. Book a demo to see it in action!

What is a UX researcher?

A UX researcher in SaaS specializes in understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through various research methods to inform product design and development.

They conduct user interviews, surveys, usability tests, and analyze data to provide actionable insights. These insights help improve user experience and ensure the product meets user expectations and business goals.

In the SaaS industry, UX researchers play a critical role in optimizing software interfaces and features to enhance user satisfaction and engagement.

UX researcher’s main responsibilities

A UX researcher plays a crucial role in understanding user behaviors and needs to inform the design and development of SaaS products.

Here are the main responsibilities and duties of a UX Researcher:

Conduct User Research: Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research studies, such as user interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
Analyze Data: Interpret and synthesize research findings to generate actionable insights and recommendations for product improvements.
Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with product managers, designers, and developers to integrate research findings into the product development process.
Create Research Reports: Prepare detailed reports, personas, journey maps, and presentations to effectively communicate insights to stakeholders.
Advocate for Users: Promote a user-centered design approach within the organization, ensuring user needs and feedback are prioritized.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest UX research methods, tools, and industry trends to continuously improve research practices.
Conduct Competitive Analysis: Analyze competitors’ products to understand market trends and identify opportunities for innovation.
Facilitate Workshops: Lead workshops and brainstorming sessions to gather input from stakeholders and users.
Develop Research Plans: Create and manage research plans, timelines, and budgets to ensure projects are completed on schedule.

These responsibilities ensure that UX researchers effectively contribute to the creation of user-centric SaaS products that meet both user and business needs.

UX researcher career path

A career in UX research involves progressing through various roles, each with increasing responsibility and expertise.

Here’s a typical career progression for a UX Researcher:

Junior UX Researcher: Assists in conducting user research, supports senior researchers, and helps with data collection and analysis. To progress, focus on learning various research methods, gaining practical experience, and building a strong portfolio. Seek feedback from mentors and participate in internships to develop skills.
UX Researcher: Conducts user research studies, analyzes data, and provides insights to inform product design decisions. Collaborates with designers, developers, and product managers. To advance, take on more complex projects, deepen your understanding of user research methodologies, and develop strong communication skills to present findings effectively.
Senior UX Researcher: Leads major research projects, mentors junior researchers, and plays a key role in strategic planning and decision-making. Provides detailed insights that significantly impact product development. Enhance leadership skills, contribute to creating research frameworks and methodologies, and build strong relationships with cross-functional teams.
Lead UX Researcher: Oversees the research team, ensures the quality and consistency of research activities, and aligns research goals with business objectives. Manages multiple projects and collaborates with senior stakeholders. Develop project management skills, drive innovation within the team, and engage in high-level strategic planning. Focus on fostering a user-centered culture within the organization.
UX Research Manager: Manages the UX research team, coordinates research efforts across projects, and ensures alignment with overall business strategy. Provides leadership and mentorship to the research team. Enhance managerial skills, stay updated with industry trends, and focus on optimizing team performance and research processes. Advocate for the importance of UX research in strategic decisions.
Director of UX Research: Sets the overall research strategy for the organization, collaborates with top executives, and ensures the integration of research insights into the company’s vision and goals. Oversees all research activities and initiatives. Focus on strategic leadership, expand influence across departments, and drive innovation in research practices. Develop a vision for the future of UX research within the organization.
Vice President (VP) of UX Research: Responsible for the entire research function within the organization, driving research excellence and contributing to the overall business strategy. Manages a large team of researchers and oversees all research-related activities. Strengthen executive leadership skills, maintain a forward-thinking research vision, and foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the research team.

Each step in this career path builds on the previous one, emphasizing continuous learning, leadership, and strategic thinking to progress to higher levels of responsibility and influence in the field of UX research.

How to become a UX researcher?

To become a UX Researcher, start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, human-computer interaction, design, or a related discipline.

Coursework in these programs often includes user research methods, statistics, cognitive psychology, and design principles. Gaining practical experience through internships is crucial; look for opportunities at tech companies, design firms, or startups where you can work on real projects and build a portfolio.

Additionally, consider pursuing a master’s degree or specialized courses in UX research to deepen your knowledge and skills. Networking through industry events, joining professional organizations, and staying updated with the latest trends and tools in UX research will also enhance your career prospects.

What skills should a UX researcher have?

A successful UX researcher needs a blend of technical expertise and soft skills to effectively gather and interpret user insights.

Here are the essential soft skills for this role:

Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of users to design experiences that genuinely meet their needs.
Communication: Clearly articulating research findings, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders through written reports and presentations.
Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and product managers, to integrate user insights into the product development process.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex data and situations to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions.
Problem-Solving: Identifying user pain points and developing practical solutions to enhance user experience.
Adaptability: Staying flexible and open to feedback, and adjusting research methods or findings as needed.
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet project deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in research data collection, analysis, and reporting to maintain high-quality insights.

These soft skills enable UX researchers to effectively understand user needs, communicate insights, and collaborate with teams to create user-centric products.

Best certifications for UX researchers

While hands-on experience and a compelling portfolio are crucial for UX researchers, certain certifications can validate your expertise and help you stand out in the competitive job market. So here are some course suggestions for you:

Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification: This remains the gold standard in the UX field, and their UX Research certification is highly respected and sought after by employers. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of research methodologies and best practices.
User Experience Research and Design Specialization (University of Michigan – Coursera): This comprehensive program remains a top choice for aspiring UX researchers. It covers the entire UX research process, from planning and conducting studies to analyzing data and communicating findings. The specialization culminates in a capstone project where you’ll apply your skills to a real-world research problem.
UX Research at Scale: Surveys, Analytics, Online Testing (University of Michigan – Coursera): This course is an excellent complement to the specialization mentioned above. It focuses on quantitative research methods, teaching you how to design and analyze surveys, collect and interpret web analytics data, and conduct online experiments.
DesignLab’s UX Academy: This immersive bootcamp provides hands-on training in all aspects of UX design, including a significant emphasis on user research. You’ll work on real-world projects, receive mentorship from industry experts, and build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills.

Best resources for UX researchers

To excel as a UX researcher, it’s crucial to stay informed and continuously learn from a variety of resources.

Here are some top recommendations for books, webinars, podcasts, and blogs that every UX researcher should explore.

Best books for UX researchers

Reading books by industry experts can provide deep insights and practical knowledge about UX research and design.

“The User Experience Team of One” by Leah Buley – Offers practical advice for UX practitioners who are working solo or within small teams.
“Observing the User Experience” by Elizabeth Goodman, Mike Kuniavsky, and Andrea Moed – A comprehensive guide on conducting user research with practical methodologies.
“Lean UX” by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden – Focuses on integrating UX with Agile methodologies to improve collaboration and efficiency.
“Measuring the User Experience” by William Albert and Thomas Tullis – Provides insights into quantitative research methods and metrics for UX.
“Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug – A classic book on web usability that remains relevant for UX research and design.

Best webinars for UX researchers

Participating in webinars can offer real-time learning and insights from industry experts.

Userpilot Webinars – Focused on user onboarding, engagement, and product growth.
NNG (Nielsen Norman Group) Webinars – Provides expert insights on various UX topics, including usability and user research.
Interaction Design Foundation Webinars – Covers a wide range of UX research and design principles.
Baymard Institute Webinars – Offers in-depth discussions on UX research for e-commerce usability.
UX Design Institute Webinars – Provides detailed webinars on UX design principles and career advice.

Best blogs for UX researchers

Following blogs can help you stay updated on the latest trends, tips, and best practices in UX research and design.

Userpilot Blog – Insights on user onboarding, product growth, and UX design.
NNG (Nielsen Norman Group) Blog – Research-based articles on UX design and usability.
Smashing Magazine – Covers a wide range of topics, including UX design, web development, and product management.
UX Matters – Offers practical advice and insights on various UX research and design topics.
UX Collective – Community-driven platform with articles on UX research, design, and industry trends.

These resources provide valuable knowledge and practical advice, helping you stay current and excel in your role as a UX Researcher.

Best podcasts for UX researchers

Listening to podcasts is a convenient way to stay informed and inspired by industry leaders while on the go.

“User Defenders” – Interviews with UX design heroes who share their stories and insights.
“The UX Intern” – Conversations with UX professionals about their career paths and experiences.
“UI Breakfast” – Discusses UI/UX design, product strategy, and business with various experts.
“What is Wrong with UX” – Two experienced UX designers critique current trends and practices.
“Awkward Silences” – Focuses on user research and customer experience insights.

Best tools for UX researchers

Leveraging the right tools can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UX research.

Here are some of the best tools for various aspects of UX research, each tailored for specific use cases:

Best tool for User Onboarding and Engagement – Userpilot: Userpilot helps UX researchers design and test personalized in-app experiences and onboarding processes. It allows researchers to gather real-time user feedback and insights to improve user engagement and retention.
Best tool for Project Management – Monday: Monday.com is excellent for organizing and managing research projects. It provides a visual platform that helps UX researchers track tasks, timelines, and collaboration with team members, ensuring that projects stay on schedule.
Best tool for Product Management – Jira Software: Jira Software is ideal for tracking and managing research tasks, user stories, and sprints. It integrates well with other tools and allows UX researchers to collaborate closely with product teams, ensuring that research findings are effectively incorporated into product development.
Best tool for Customer Experience – Zendesk: Zendesk helps UX researchers gather and analyze customer feedback and support tickets. This tool provides insights into common user issues and areas for improvement, which can inform user experience design.
Best tool for Customer Success – ClientSuccess: ClientSuccess is perfect for monitoring and analyzing customer success metrics. UX researchers can use this tool to understand how well users are achieving their goals with the product, providing data to drive improvements in the user experience.
Best tool for UX/UI Design – Figma: Figma supports real-time collaboration on design projects. UX researchers can use Figma to create wireframes and prototypes, test usability, and gather feedback from users and stakeholders.
Best tool for UX/UI Design – Sketch: Sketch is a vector graphics editor focused on digital design. It offers numerous plugins and integrations that streamline the design process, making it easier for UX researchers to create and test user interface designs.
Best tool for Documentation and Collaboration – Confluence: Confluence is great for creating, sharing, and managing research documentation. UX researchers can use it to keep detailed records of research findings, methodologies, and insights, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
Best tool for Data Analytics – Tableau: Tableau provides powerful data visualization capabilities. UX researchers can use it to analyze and present research data in an intuitive and visually appealing manner, making it easier to communicate insights to stakeholders.

These tools collectively empower UX researchers to conduct thorough research, manage projects effectively, collaborate with teams, and present data-driven insights that enhance user experience design.

UX researcher FAQs

Who can become a UX researcher? Anyone with a background in psychology, human-computer interaction, design, or related fields and a strong interest in understanding user behaviors and improving user experiences can become a UX researcher.
Do UX researchers get paid well? Yes, UX researchers generally receive competitive salaries, with compensation varying based on experience, location, and industry, often ranging from $60,000 to over $120,000 per year.
Is it hard to be a UX researcher? Being a UX researcher can be challenging due to the need for strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct and interpret various research methods, and effective communication of findings to stakeholders.
Do UX researchers need to code? No, UX researchers do not typically need to code, but having a basic understanding of coding can be beneficial for communicating with development teams and understanding technical constraints.
Do you need a PhD to be a UX researcher? No, a PhD is not required to be a UX researcher. Most positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, though higher education can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful UX researcher requires dedication, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to developing relevant skills.

By following the outlined steps and leveraging the resources available, you can effectively navigate your career path and achieve your professional goals.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you on your journey to becoming a proficient and impactful UX researcher!

Looking into tools for UX researchers? Userpilot is an all-in-one product platform with engagement features and powerful analytics capabilities. Book a demo to see it in action!