You’re interested in UX Research. What’s the best way to make the transition?

Assess your skills, find where you stand in terms of the skills that you need to be a researcher and skills that you need to work on and learn. If this understanding curve is thoroughly examined and worked upon then transitioning to ux would be smooth. It is also important to see how well you're able to understand the various users and user segments depending on which field you wish to work in. That would also help in empathising and understanding the user while also envisioning various use cases.

1. Search for the skillset that is must-have for the UX researcher, and write it down. 2. write your skills. 3. send a short survey to your colleagues to help you understand your skillset. 4. Compare all the data you have and see what you need to improve. 5. Find a mentor. Maybe it could be a UX researcher from your company or find someone on LinkedIn.

Here's your transition plan: Explore & Learn: Dive into UX research basics through courses, books, and podcasts. Build Skills: Practice research methods like surveys and interviews. Gain Experience: Volunteer, freelance, or seek internships to get hands-on practice. Network & Connect: Join online communities and attend events to build your network in UX research. Showcase Your Work: Create a portfolio displaying your research projects and their impact.

Before transitioning into UX Research, you need to assess your current skills- to know where you're most proficient and where you need to improve on to create a balance. This multidisciplinary field needs a blend of communication, creativity and analytical skill, as well as curiosity- to research and find problem to provide solution. In assessing your skills, you'll get to know what aspect of UX Research you can best perform. For example, if you're good with calculations, you might want to consider analytics with quantitative methods. If you're good in communication and have a curious mind, you may perform best in qualitative methods like interview, focus groups. However, that doesn't mean you should focus on one aspect and ignore others.

The building block of any successful career is understanding the basics. Get familiar with UX Research terms, concepts, process, methods and all. You can get started with UXR books, online courses, beginner's bootcamp. You may also benefit from listening to podcasts or watching YouTube videos to experts in the industry.

In this 'Internet of Things' era, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a great amount of information available. Therefore, keep in mind that starting with the basics and taking small steps can lead to sustainable career growth. Here are a few highly recommended books : 1. Leah Buley - The User Experience Team of One. The book helps you to answer these questions: how to grow yourself and your career, and how to build support for UX within your organization. 2. David Travis, Philip Hodgson - Think Like a UX Researcher. The book’s realistic examplse, useful illustrations and in-depth content guide you towards a more engaging and measurable approach to research. The authors introduces research methods based on evidences and objective data.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamental concepts and principles of UX research. Learn about user-centered design, usability testing, user personas, journey mapping, and other essential methodologies and techniques. Invest time in learning UX research methodologies, tools, and best practices through online courses, workshops, books, and tutorials. Explore resources such as Nielsen Norman Group, Interaction Design Foundation, and Coursera for valuable learning materials.

Connect with professionals in the UX research community through networking events, conferences, meetups, and online forums. Engage in discussions, seek mentorship, and collaborate on projects to expand your knowledge and opportunities.

Look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions in UX research to gain industry experience and further develop your skills. Emphasize your passion for UX research, willingness to learn, and ability to contribute to a team.

Be prepared for challenges and setbacks along the way, and remain adaptable and resilient in your pursuit of a career in UX research. Keep refining your skills, building your network, and pursuing opportunities that align with your goals.

It's important to note that a researcher should not skim the surface of a topic. Leverage your powerful knowledge to release your users' pain point, rather than simply boasting without delivering results The UX research is influenced by various disciplines, including Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction, or Psychology and Sociology. Understading the Historical Overview can help you expand your learning resources.