You have UX design skills, but want to become a UX researcher. What's the best way to make the switch?

Transitioning from UX design to UX research involves building on your existing skills with targeted education and practical experience. By immersing yourself in the field, networking, and effectively showcasing your ability to translate user insights into actionable recommendations, you can make a successful shift to a career in UX research.

Start by assessing your current UX research skills. Identify areas for improvement such as: Conducting user interviews. Data analysis Usability testing Market / competitors research. And just utilize online courses or certifications for further development.

Think of it like baking a cake: Ingredients: You already have the design skills (flour, sugar). Missing piece: Learn research methods (eggs, milk) - online courses, workshops. Practice: Apply research skills to your design projects (mix it all together!). Talk to users, test designs. Showcase: Highlight research skills in your portfolio (icing on the cake!).

Conducting User Research (e.g., interviews, surveys): Essential for gathering direct insights from users, informing design decisions to create more intuitive and user-centered products. Analyzing and Synthesizing Data: Enables the identification of key user needs and pain points, facilitating the development of targeted solutions, like creating specific personas or journey maps that inform design strategy. Presenting and Reporting Findings: Critical for communicating insights effectively to stakeholders, ensuring that research informs broader design and business strategies, for example, through clear, actionable reports that lead to improved user experiences.

Making the switch from UX design to UX research is a common transition, and there are several steps you can take to make it successful: 1. Understand the Role 2. Build on Existing Skills 3. Learn Research Methods 4. Practice Analysis 5. Network and Seek Mentorship 6. Gain Experience 7. Update Your Portfolio 8. Stay Curious and Keep Learning By following these steps and actively working to develop your skills and experience in UX research, you can successfully make the switch from UX design to UX research.

Adding UX research elements to existing design projects, like user interviews or surveys, showcases your ability to gather and analyze user data, proving your competency in key research methodologies. Documenting the research process and outcomes, such as identifying user pain points or preferences, illustrates how your work directly influences design decisions and product improvements. Engaging in diverse UX research projects, whether through platforms like UserTesting or on self-initiated projects, demonstrates your versatility in handling various research challenges and highlights the tangible value you bring to enhancing user experience.

Normalmente em empresas pequenas profissionais de UX tem a chance de lidar com várias vertentes em UX e a pesquisa quase sempre é uma delas. Aproveite esse momento para construir cases reais e assim agregar ao teu portfólio, seja coerente e acima de tudo documente tudo.

Engaging with a community, like the UX Research Collective, offers a platform to exchange knowledge, gain insights from seasoned professionals, and stay updated on industry trends. For instance, a new UX researcher might learn novel research methodologies through discussions in these communities. Sharing your work with peers allows you to receive constructive feedback, which is invaluable for refining your skills and work. For example, presenting a case study at a meetup can lead to suggestions for improving your research questions or methodologies. Networking events and connections can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorships.

Busque por palavras chaves aqui no LinkedIn e comece a seguir pessoas desse setor, é imprescindível fazer conex?es para conseguir uma boa transi??o de trabalho. Lembre-se de agradecer quem te ajudou. Talvez sair da empresa seja a resolu??o mais óbvia e fácil, mas já parou para falar com a diretoria da sua empresa sobre seu anseio pela nova carreira e sugeriu um plano de mudan?a no quadro atual e nas suas atividades para com a empresa? sen?o, e se estiver confortável com isso, é uma ótima op??o para evitar as mudan?as frequentes de ambiente de trabalho.

Highlighting your UX research experience and achievements specifically can set you apart from other candidates. For example, including a case study in your portfolio that showcases a research project. Demonstrating deep knowledge of the company and role you're applying for, as well as practicing UX research scenarios, shows your dedication and readiness for the position. Expressing genuine interest and curiosity in UX research during interviews can make a compelling case for your potential to contribute meaningfully. Sharing a story about how user research insights drove a successful design change in a project can highlight your ability to translate research into action.

Se eu como UX Designer, quisesse me tornar um UX Researcher eu antes de cogitar sair da empresa, chamaria minha diretoria para uma conversa sincera e diria o quanto anseio para essa mudan?a, além de sugerir uma mudan?a realista no quadro da empresa para comportar meu novo cargo, e isso serve apenas para empresas pequenas, onde o acesso à pessoas que decidem é mais fácil.

Enhance your understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing. For example, if you've designed a user interface, conduct usability tests to gather feedback and analyze user interactions. Strengthen your ability to empathize with users and be genuinely curious about their experiences. This involves going beyond the aesthetics of design to deeply understand the 'why' behind user behaviors. For instance, if users struggle with a checkout process you designed, research to uncover the underlying issues and motivations.