From the lens of people outside of the UX field, the UX Researcher role can be conceptualized and interpreted in many different ways. While different organizations may have varying UX research processes, the foundation of being a UX Researcher should largely remain the same, no matter where you are. 

Yet, expectations of being a UX Researcher hold its own myths that hold little truth or accuracy, and might result in confusion for those planning to join the UX Research field, or those that are just trying to find out more about the role. 

This article aims to debunk these myths and hopefully provide you with a better idea of the role, especially for those that envisage UX Research as a potential career option. 

Myth #1: “UX research is just about talking to users”

Part of conducting UX research involves talking to users to understand their feelings and opinions, to gather insights or feedback for websites or apps. However, UX Researchers’ tasks go way beyond just talking to the users. 

UX Researchers also plan how to conduct research, and strategize methods that are suitable and effective based on the aim of the research. They ensure that participants recruited for the research fit the requirements of the company’s target audience. Data evaluation and analysis are also done by UX Researchers after the test or study is conducted, before gathering 

meaningful insights to present reports to various stakeholders. Engaging in critical thought is key for UX Researchers to understand users’ psyche and enhance the scope for product growth. 

Myth #2: “UX Researchers mainly work in usability labs”

Usability labs are dedicated facilities with resources such as tools and technology available, where research can be conducted effectively. 

While usability labs have been important to UX research for many years, the surge in unmoderated or remote testing tools, backed by prevalence of remote working, means that UX Researchers have the freedom to work wherever they want, depending on the research requirements. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote user research has become more prevalent, especially in Asia. Many UX Researchers have to adapt and gain familiarity with new remote tools or techniques. 

Remote research is easier to organize and participants are able to take user tests in their familiar and natural environments. Research, when done remotely, is also quicker and more cost-effective. 

Although remote research is a popular option for many UX Researchers, in-person usability testing still has benefits such as allowing researchers control over the environment of the testing sessions, or having necessary equipment. Technical difficulties in an online environment, such as poor internet connectivity, will not occur in-person. 

Research goals and the timeline available will impact the selection of each research method, and UX Researchers have to decide the best suited approach. 

Technology will only continue to improve, which will invite new exciting opportunities and methods to conduct remote UX research in the near future.

Myth #3: “UX Researchers work in solitary” 

UX Researchers handle research operations, such as participant recruitment or tools used to conduct the research. However, UX research teams do not work in solitary. 

UX Researchers typically work closely with product managers and designers. 

Close collaboration with product managers are needed right from the start where research goals and problem statements are defined. Product managers can help define success metrics for the research project together with the UX Research team. After gathering insights from users, UX Researchers analyze the findings and identify actionables to discuss with the Product team. 

UX Researchers also work hand in hand with the design team. Through UX research projects, UX Researchers receive direct responses or feedback that might impact the user experience of a product, or ways to improve customer satisfaction, which can be analyzed to provide potential improvements for the design team to work on. 

Myth #4: “UX research is a one-time activity”

Contrary to what some people might think, UX Research is actually an ongoing process of bringing a product closer to users’ needs. It is an iterative process, where UX Researchers should be involved continuously in the various stages of the product roadmap. 

Nothing is perfect, so businesses should strive to maintain the continuous cycle of always learning about users and improving products, even after a product is launched. 

However, some companies treat UX research as a one-time activity or forgo research altogether, due to a lack of resources. They usually end up not addressing their target audience’s needs, or base their product decisions on assumptions that are way off the mark. 

Myth #5: “Anyone can do UX research” 

Some people out there assume that they can be UX Researchers, just by talking to users and finding out their pain points. However, in reality, for UX research to be effective, strategic planning is involved from start to end. This involves defining the problem statements, identifying the suitable research methodology to address research requirements, deciding what profile of participants to recruit, and conducting research interviews or user-testing sessions precisely. 

UX Researchers gain experience and training over time, and this role may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you do not have the resources to hire someone from the UX research field who is experienced, but wish to improve the user experience of your website or product, reach out to hi@uxarmy.com via email to find out the user research and participant recruitment services we offer based on your requirements or problem statements.