Unlock the Power of UX Research Process to Design With Confidence

If you ask Google, you’ll figure that the user experience research process is some kind of a systematic study to gather insights that will drive and inform your UI/UX design decisions. 

The important word here is “systematic”. The methodical process of designing a research project is what saves your precious time and brain, and helps to get maximum value from research.

Sounds good but flat, let’s try to visualize our research process. 

Seems like any process can be shown as a line. Every time we at Eleken write an article like the one you’re reading, or a case study about a new product Eleken’s team has designed, we’re trying to stretch out the research our designers have done into a chain of steps. 

And every time designers argue that they are rather buzzing around their research subject than moving from point A to point B. Thus, the UX discovery studies feel more like a loop, where you discover, define, design, and rerun it all one more time. But a closed loop as a route gives us a migraine. It shows no progress.

Let’s better make our research process model look like a spiral with many loops. We start with wide discovery research when we know nothing about the product, the target audience, and the market to learn a few rough ideas on the topic, then spiral back, making connections between the ideas. Then keep lurking around, again and again, gradually adding new insights, validating or discarding our assumptions, and making more connections, checking if each idea is consistent (or inconsistent) with the users’ expectations.

With every new loop, we’re getting closer to our goal — the perfect fit between the product and the audience’s needs. 

Now, when we understand the approximate path, let’s see what elements it consists of.

What are the 4 stages of UX research process?

The research process consists of single studies we conduct to learn something new. Every study is a set of steps, whether it is a usability test, benchmark study, or user interview,. A convenient way to identify those steps provides a DECIDE framework, that stands for the six steps in conducting user research sessions for effective UX:

• Determine the goals, 
• Explore the questions,
• Choose the user research methods, 
• Identify the practical usability issues, 
• Decide how to deal with ethical issues, and
• Evaluate the results. 

If you need some tips for running a specific study, check out this UX research plan template, it digs much deeper into this topic.

When you face a challenge to design or redesign an app, you need to string a series of such specific studies into a system that will help to gain all the knowledge you need to get the job done. The first step here is to clarify what knowledge you are looking for. At different stages of product development, you need different insights. 

Say, you might want to get a sense of your prospective users’ problem to solve it via your app. Or you need to test the product prototype to see whether you’re moving in the right direction in terms of usability. Finally, you can ask for feedback when everything is ready to see if any improvements need to be made.

We can split our research into four phases according to our intent — to discover, to explore, to test, and to listen to the reaction. Let’s look at each of the phases in detail, and see how they fit into the overall product design project timeline.

#1. User research discovery phase

The discovery phase is a way to deal with the uncertainty that is inevitable at the onset of any project. To beat the uncertainty, you’re googling and doing qualitative interviews to collect and analyze information about the app, its target audience, and intended market. 

Discovery helps to clarify the goal and the direction of further movements. If your assumptions make you do a wrong thing or a right thing but in the wrong way, this stage is your chance to figure things out.

It appears from the above that discovery research works especially well when done prior to design itself before efforts are wasted. But you can return to discovery research anytime you need to.

#2. Exploring research phase

During this phase of exploration, you dig deeper into the topic to solve applied problems of design that appear in front of you in the working process. 

You compare your features against competitors and detect their user experience shortcomings that you need to rectify within your own app. You split your audience into personas and build user flows to define risky areas for losing customers along the way. You analyze users’ tasks to find ways to save their time and effort with your design decisions. 

This user experience research phase overlaps with your active phase in the design process. Whenever you need to validate your design assumption, you use one of the exploring research methods.

#3. Testing research phase

The research to ensure that your design is easy to use is mostly done as usability testing.

Nielsen Norman Group teaches us that if you can do only one activity in an effort to improve an existing system, you should choose moderated usability testing, where the person interacts with the interface while continuously verbalizing their thoughts as they move through the tasks. 

Thinking aloud usability tests sound easy and cheap. You recruit representative users, give them tasks to perform, let them do the talking, and sit nearby absorbing the insights. That's how it worked in the Pre-pandemic era. If you want to run such research concept testing remotely, let me recommend Lookback, one of the remote moderated usability testing tools we at Eleken use. Check out our list of UX research tools that can save the day. 

Testing research happens repeatedly during the design process and beyond so that you have time to make changes to your design if the test shows that such changes will benefit the product.

#4. Listening phase

You can’t anticipate everything by testing your interfaces on small samplings. Your final and your most reliable test research team is your actual users. So after your product is released, you should listen carefully to the feedback and monitor user problems, successes, and frustrations. 

This observation may trigger a new circle of design and development changes called to improve the user experience even more.

When to use which UX research method

There are different research methods that can answer the questions you ask yourself within each of the four phases of your UX research process. If you want to get to know them better, we have a whole detailed article about UX research methods. However, understanding methods is only half the battle. 

Projects with such budgets and timelines that allow using the full set of methods exist only in our dreams. Life is about making choices. Sure you can use one or two familiar methods all the time, but would they give a perfect mix of data every time given that no two apps are identical?

To help you choose the right method, Nielsen Norman Group suggests using their three-dimensional framework that is so good I’m jealous it wasn’t me who came up with this. 

Here we have 20 methods mapped across the frame with the following axes:

• Attitudinal ↔ Behavioral 
• Qualitative ↔ Quantitative
• Context of Use

The attitudinal vs. behavioral distinction helps us identify the gap between what people say and what people do. Usually, on discovery and exploring phases you need self-reported data, gathered from interviews and card sorting. Behavioral data is especially useful when you’re testing your interfaces.

Now,  let’s explore the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative studies observe the event or behavior directly, as is the case with focus groups. They are perfectly suited for answering questions about why or how to fix a problem. Quantitative studies gather the data indirectly, through an analytical tool, for instance. Thus, they are useful when your questions start with how many and how much.

Finally, the context of use means that depending on the phase where you are in your designing process, you can run tests without any product, with a scripted version of the product, or with the actual product when it’s (almost) ready.

Let’s say we’ve started doing a website redesign and need to figure out how many weak spots are there to fix. We’ll use Google Analytics or Hotjar to figure out what frustrates our users. Next, we have a few hypotheses on how to fix the issues. We make paper prototypes and find five volunteers for usability lab studies.

Knowing what you want to ask, and what context of use you can afford at the stage where you are, the problem of choosing the right method is not a problem anymore.

Q&A

Have some questions left? Let's see.

What if I have a limited budget for UX research?

When working with a limited budget, prioritize research efforts by focusing on high-impact areas that align with project goals. Consider leveraging free or low-cost tools and resources. You can use online survey platforms, user testing platforms with free trial periods, and open-source research templates. You can also explore alternative research methods like guerrilla testing or remote usability testing to gather valuable insights within budget constraints.

How do I ensure that my research methods are ethical?

Obtain informed consent from participants, clearly explain the purpose and scope of the UX research process, and respect their privacy and confidentiality. Avoid any deceptive practices or manipulation of participants, and prioritize their well-being throughout the research process. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and standards established by professional organizations like the UXPA or ACM. If unsure, seek guidance or oversight from ethics review boards when you conduct user research that involves sensitive topics or vulnerable populations.

How do I handle conflicting or inconclusive research findings?

Embrace ambiguity as a natural part of the UX research and leverage it as an opportunity for deeper exploration and understanding. Triangulate findings from multiple sources, such as qualitative and quantitative data, to identify patterns or common themes and gain a more comprehensive perspective. Seek additional insights through further research or user validation, and engage in collaborative problem-solving with cross-functional teams to reconcile conflicting findings and inform data-driven decisions.

What if I don't have access to a diverse user base for research purposes?

Expand your reach by leveraging online communities, social media platforms, and targeted outreach efforts to recruit participants from diverse backgrounds and demographics. Partner with community organizations, advocacy groups, or cultural associations to access niche or underrepresented user groups and gain insights into their unique perspectives and needs. Consider cultural or demographic factors in research design and analysis, and strive to incorporate diverse voices and experiences throughout the UX research process to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes.

How do I document findings from my user research process so that people read them?

If your findings sit forgotten in a PDF or buried in a Slack thread, they won’t help anyone, not your designers, not your product managers, and definitely not your users.

1. Use format that matches attention spans

• For big discoveries: Create a visual summary—think Notion dashboards, Miro boards, or interactive reports that combine quotes, screenshots, and charts.
• For quick updates: Drop one-slide summaries into your team’s weekly meetings or Slack threads.
• For deeper dives: Link to structured repositories (like Airtable, Google Docs, or Dovetail) with tags for theme, persona, or product area.

2. Show, don’t just tell. People don’t remember metrics, they remember moments. Embed:

• Actual user quotes (with names anonymized)
• Screen recordings of pain points
• Short video clips of interviews or tests

These bring insights to life and make them harder to ignore.

3. Translate insights into action. Wrap each research report with:

• What we should do
• What to avoid
• Open questions for follow-up

That way, the research doesn’t just inform, it drives decisions.

4. Make it findable. Tag everything, organize insights by:

• Feature or screen
• Persona or user type
• Problem theme

Use searchable platforms like Notion, Dovetail, or even a shared Google Drive with naming conventions like 2025-07_Product_Onboarding_Test_Report.

5. Loop back to stakeholders. When someone references a research finding in a meeting, reshare the link. When a design is validated by an insight you discovered, celebrate it. Visibility creates a culture where research is part of the decision-making DNA, not an afterthought.

As you’ve seen in the Q&A, UX research raises a lot of practical questions, but behind all those details lies a bigger truth: a strong research process can make or break the success of your product. Let’s take a step back and see why that matters.

Why conducting UX research is essential

A strong UX research process is more than a design best practice, it’s a business imperative. When done well, UX research uncovers user needs, validates design assumptions, and prevents costly missteps. But if neglected or rushed, teams risk investing time and money into products that miss the mark.

1. The cost of getting it wrong

According to the Human Factors International, the cost to fix an error after development is 100x greater than it would be during the design phase. Poor design decisions rooted in assumptions, not insights, can lead to features users ignore or abandon altogether.

A well-known example comes from Microsoft’s Kin phone, which was discontinued just 48 days after launch, costing the company nearly $1 billion. One of the core issues? A lack of alignment between what the target users wanted and what was built, a direct failure of UX research.

2. The ROI of UX research

Good research pays for itself. The Nielsen Norman Group found that investing 10% of a project’s budget in UX can result in improvements to conversion rates of up to 83%.

Similarly, Forrester Research reported that every $1 invested in UX brings $100 in return. That’s a 9,900% ROI—an argument hard to ignore in any business case.

Even lean teams can see big wins. Take Airbnb, which credits UX research for helping it avoid failure in its early days. By shadowing hosts and listening to their frustrations, Airbnb’s team realized that poor listing photos were deterring bookings. That insight led to sending professional photographers to hosts, significantly boosting conversions and laying the foundation for their later success.

3. Research makes teams smarter and faster

A systematic UX research process also improves team efficiency. With clear insights:

• Product managers prioritize the right problems.
• Designers avoid unnecessary iteration cycles.
• Developers build with confidence.
• Stakeholders align around shared user goals.

This reduces rework, cuts time-to-market, and fosters collaboration. In fact, a study found that teams who test early and often can reduce design time by up to 50%.

Keep going  to cover more knowledge gaps

Want to dig further into the user experience topic? Here is an article about human-centered design — our North Star that we aspire to when conducting UX researches.  

For more research-focused reading, check out this article about design audit, it is full of usability checkup tricks and you can see how we run researches at Eleken UI/UX design agency.

So stay curious, stay systematic — and keep iterating.

UX research process FAQ

1. What are the steps of UX research?

The UX research process typically involves a series of iterative steps that guide teams from uncertainty to actionable insights. These steps can vary slightly depending on the framework, but commonly include:

1. Determine user research goals
2. Define the research questions to answer
3. Choose appropriate research methods
4. Identify logistical and ethical considerations
5. Collect data
6. Analyze findings
7. Share insights with stakeholders

This progression ensures a focused and valuable research initiative that aligns with product goals.

2. What are the 7 basic steps in the research process?

In a broader research context, the classic 7-step process includes:

1. Identify the problem
2. Review existing information
3. Formulate hypotheses or research questions
4. Design the research methodology
5. Collect the data
6. Analyze and interpret the data
7. Report and apply the findings

These steps provide a structured approach not only for UX but for research in many disciplines.

3. What are the 5 stages of the UX design process?

UX design is often structured into five main stages, aligning with design thinking:

1. Empathize – Understand user needs through UX research process.
2. Define – Synthesize findings into user problems.
3. Ideate – Brainstorm solutions.
4. Prototype – Create low- or high-fidelity models.
5. Test – Validate designs through usability testing.

UX research is most relevant in the empathize and test stages, but it informs every phase.

4. What is the pathway for UX research?

A practical UX research pathway often follows a spiral model that reflects how insights accumulate and evolve. As explained in the article, this spiral includes:

• Discovery – Initial exploration of users, problems, and context.
• Exploration – Deep dives into specific features, flows, or behaviors.
• Testing – Usability evaluations and validation of design decisions.
• Listening – Ongoing monitoring and feedback post-launch.

Rather than a straight line, UX research thrives in loops—refining understanding with each cycle.

5. What is the DECIDE framework in UX research?

The DECIDE framework structures individual studies within the UX research process. It stands for:

• Determine goals
• Explore research questions
• Choose methods
• Identify practical issues
• Decide on ethical matters
• Evaluate results

This method helps maintain consistency and clarity across different types of research activities.

6. When should UX research be conducted?

UX research should occur continuously across the product development process lifecycle:

• Before design (discovery research) to uncover user issues
• During design (exploratory and usability testing) to validate ideas
• After launch (listening) to monitor real-world performance and guide improvements

Skipping any phase can lead to blind spots in understanding users and their needs.

7. How do I choose the right UX research method?

Choosing the right method depends on:

• Stage in the design process
• Nature of the questions (why, how, how many?)
• Resources available (time, budget, UX research tools)

Tools like the Nielsen Norman Group’s 3D framework—covering qualitative/quantitative, attitudinal/behavioral, and context of use—can guide method selection effectively.

8. How do I communicate UX research findings effectively?

To ensure your findings have an impact:

• Visualize key data with graphs, journey maps, or personas.
• Summarize themes in plain language, avoiding jargon.
• Tailor presentations for different stakeholders (e.g., designers vs. product managers).
• Recommend actions supported by the evidence collected.

Clarity and storytelling make data resonate.

9. What’s the difference between generative and evaluative UX research?

• Generative research (also called exploratory or formative) helps teams understand user issues, behaviors, and needs — usually at the start of a project.
• Evaluative research tests existing solutions (like prototypes or live interfaces) to see how well they work for users.

Both are essential, but they answer different types of questions.

10. How do I prioritize what to research first?

Focus on areas of high risk and uncertainty, especially those affecting core user flows. Use techniques like:

• Assumption mapping
• Opportunity scoring
• Impact–effort matrix

The riskiest unknowns should always come first, not the easiest questions to answer.

11. Can UX research be agile?

Absolutely. Agile UX research is about speed, flexibility, and iteration. You can run:

• Guerrilla tests mid-sprint
• Rapid remote interviews between design reviews
• Continuous feedback loops using tools like Hotjar or FullStory

The key is integrating lightweight research habits into your delivery cycles, so you’re always learning without slowing down.

12. What tools do UX researchers actually use daily?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• User interviews & testing: Lookback, Maze, UsabilityHub
• Surveys: Typeform, Google Forms
• Analytics: Hotjar, Google Analytics, FullStory
• Research ops: Dovetail, Notion, Airtable
• Collaboration: Miro, Figma, Slack

Each tool has a role depending on your goals, budget, and team setup. We’ve covered them in more detail in key UX research tools that top designers use.

13. How to run UX research with no dedicated researcher?

Even without a full-time UX researcher, you can still run scrappy but effective studies. Try:

• Using existing team members (PMs, designers) to facilitate interviews
• Testing prototypes with coworkers or internal teams first
• Sending out short surveys to your user mailing list
• Embedding simple polls or questions into onboarding flows

And always start small, just five usability tests can uncover 85% of problems.