Design Researcher

What is a design researcher?

A design researcher is someone who conducts research to understand user needs and preferences in order to inform the design of products or services.

What does a design researcher do?

A design researcher usually does the following:

• Identifies research objectives and designs research studies
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative research, such as interviews, surveys, and observations
• Analyses research data to identify key insights and trends
• Presents research findings to stakeholders and makes recommendations for design improvements

What does the day-to-day life of a design researcher look like?

A design researcher typically works between 9am and 5pm, although specific hours may vary depending on the company or project. Their tasks may include:

• Planning and conducting user interviews or focus groups
• Analyzing research data and identifying patterns
• Collaborating with designers and other stakeholders to incorporate research insights into the design process

Where does a design researcher work?

Design researchers can work in various types of companies, including:

• Design agencies: Collaborating with designers to conduct user research for different clients and industries.
• Technology companies: Conducting research to inform the development of new products or services.
• In-house design teams: Working within a company to conduct research and contribute to the design process.

Design researchers may work in office environments or they may work remotely, depending on the company and project requirements.

What tools/software/hardware does a design researcher use?

A design researcher uses a variety of tools including:

• Research software: Platforms such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or UserZoom for creating and managing research studies.
• Data analysis tools: Software like Excel, SPSS, or NVivo for analyzing research data.
• Note-taking tools: Apps like Evernote or Notion for recording observations and insights during research sessions.

What do I need to become a design researcher?

There are a number of ways you can become a design researcher, including:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree: Pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as design, psychology, market research, or human-computer interaction can provide a strong foundation.
• Experience in research: Gaining experience through internships or working on research projects can help develop research skills.
• Portfolio work: Building a portfolio of research projects can showcase your abilities to potential employers.

What career paths are available?

There are a number of career paths available to you as a design researcher, including:

• Senior Design Researcher: Progressing to a more senior position with increased responsibilities and leading research projects.
• User Experience (UX) Designer: Transitioning into designing and prototyping user interfaces based on research insights.
• Product Manager: Applying research skills to inform the development and strategy of products or services.

To start on these career paths, gaining experience in research and building a strong portfolio are important steps.

What jobs are similar to a design researcher?

• User Experience (UX) Researcher: Specializing in research related to the user experience of digital products.
• Market Researcher: Conducting research to understand consumer behavior and market trends.
• Service Designer: Applying design thinking principles to create holistic experiences for users.

If you are a design researcher, we want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to design research. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.