How do you show UX research value to your business?

1 Understand the business context

Before you start any UX research project, you need to understand the business context of your product or service. What are the business goals, challenges, and opportunities? Who are the key decision-makers and influencers? What are their pain points and expectations? How do they measure success and value? By understanding the business context, you can tailor your research questions, methods, and outcomes to address the specific needs and interests of your business stakeholders.

2 Define the research value proposition

A value proposition is a statement that summarizes how your research will help the business achieve its goals and solve its problems. It should answer three questions: What is the problem or opportunity you are researching? How will you research it? And what benefits will your research bring to the business? A clear and concise value proposition will help you communicate the purpose, scope, and impact of your research to your business stakeholders, and justify the time, resources, and budget required for your research.

3 Choose the right research methods and metrics

Depending on the type, stage, and scope of your research, you may use different methods and metrics to collect and analyze data. However, not all methods and metrics are equally relevant and convincing for your business stakeholders. You need to choose the ones that align with the business goals and metrics, and that can provide actionable and meaningful insights. For example, if your business goal is to increase conversions, you may use methods like usability testing, A/B testing, or surveys, and metrics like conversion rate, bounce rate, or satisfaction score.

4 Communicate the research findings and recommendations

Presenting and sharing your research findings and recommendations can have a major impact on how business stakeholders perceive and value your research. To ensure your results are delivered in a clear, concise, and compelling way, you need to employ effective communication skills and tools. Consider using storytelling techniques to create a narrative that links the research problem, data, insights, and solutions. Visuals such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or screenshots can also be used to illustrate your data and insights. Additionally, quotes, testimonials, or videos can be used to show the voice and emotions of your users. Numbers and statistics are useful for quantifying your data and insights, as well as demonstrating the impact of your research on the business metrics. Prioritization frameworks can be used to rank your recommendations based on their importance and feasibility. Lastly, action verbs and clear language should be used to convey your recommendations and next steps.

5 Collaborate with your business stakeholders

Demonstrating the value of UX research to your business involves collaboration and involvement with your business stakeholders throughout the entire research process. This includes building trust, getting their feedback and input, inviting them to observe or participate in research activities, encouraging them to ask questions and contribute, and following up with them after the research. Through these strategies, you can show how your research has improved the product or service, and ultimately build a strong and positive relationship with your stakeholders. Showing UX research value to your business is not always easy, but it is critical for career success and satisfaction.