Summary
Research has to come together somewhere, happen somewhere, live somewhere, and—in order for it to have an impact on product—it has to be effectively shared somewhere. There are more user research tools than ever, and choosing among them can be overwhelming. That’s why the team at User Interviews created the UXR Tools Map, along with a searchable database of over 200 user research tools. We’ll talk about the process behind creating the map, plus share insights and examples of how to create the best stack for your team, regardless of budget.
Key Insights
-
•
The UX Research Tools Map categorizes over 100 curated tools into five main research functions: research ops, passive insights, active research, insight management, and design tools.
-
•
A significant portion of UX researchers (44%) are uncertain about their research budgets, and only 8% report stakeholders frequently access research results.
-
•
Many UX research tools have expanded their scope, becoming multifunctional, complicating how they fit into research workflows.
-
•
The visual subway map metaphor helps users understand tools as single-function 'stations' or multifunctional 'interchanges' connecting multiple research tasks.
-
•
The tools map intentionally balances well-known products, enterprise-grade options, and innovative or lesser-known tools to avoid overwhelming users.
-
•
Design and curation are critical as new tools appear or existing ones evolve, requiring continuous updates and balancing complexity with usability.
-
•
There’s value in assembling tool stacks tailored to needs ranging from fully free DIY solutions to large enterprise setups integrating multiple platforms.
-
•
Qualitative data management remains a persistent challenge in UX research, requiring effective insight storage, organization, and analysis tools.
-
•
Some tools offer recruiting, scheduling, and incentives only through proprietary panels, leading to potential limitations in participant diversity and flexibility.
-
•
Collaborative tools like Figma, Miro, and Whimsical play key roles in prototyping and brainstorming during UX research to generate early feedback efficiently.
Notable Quotes
"User research is interdisciplinary; only two thirds of people who do research describe their job as primarily research."
"Only 8% of people we talk to said their stakeholders know how to access results and do so often."
"Choosing among all these research tools can be really overwhelming and intimidating."
"We took a little bit more of an editorial approach and kind of trimmed down the tools to keep it legible and usable."
"Our subway lines are tool functions, and stations are where single-function tools live."
"Multifunctional tools are interchange stations connecting several research activities."
"Sometimes we had to add bus lines simply because some tools couldn’t fit into the existing grid."
"Tools are getting much more complex and have more crossover, which made redesigning the map a challenge."
"Simple, low-fi prototyping tools can get you tons of feedback without much upfront design work."
"We’re always taking suggestions for new apps to add to the tools map for later iterations."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"I find the existing patterns in my product and use those because it’s easier to bring things back in."
Billy CarlsonTips to Utilize Wireframes to Tell an Effective Product Story
June 6, 2023
"Designers must take responsibility when designing systems that impact millions."
Lada GorlenkoTheme 3: Introduction
June 10, 2021
"Proto-persona sessions helped us avoid departmental bias and uncover the questions stakeholders really cared about."
Edgar Anzaldua MorenoUsing Research to Determine Unique Value Proposition
March 11, 2021
"People with disabilities must be involved as producers, contributors, and consumers throughout the digital creation process."
Amber KnablEmpowering innovation: The critical role of inclusive product development in the AI era
June 4, 2024
"Trust with your team needs to be established and continuously nurtured because tough situations arise quickly."
Anna Avrekh Dr. John Pagonis Klara Pelcl Sina SchreiberExpert Panel: Leading in and with Research
March 10, 2022
"What are some of the metrics that you’ll use to measure the health of your teams and practice?"
Kristin SkinnerTheme 2: Introduction and Provocation
January 8, 2024
"We're borrowing from video game design: simplified layouts, spatial sound, and haptics to enhance user experience."
Teresa SwinglerLook, Up in the Sky! UX/UI for Aerospace
October 27, 2022
"I helped a company save 12 million dollars by not investing in an iris scanner in a one-week project."
Mike OrenWhy Pharmaceutical's Research Model Should Replace Design Thinking
March 28, 2023
"We started with an excursion into systems thinking, then dived deep into IA and knowledge management."
Uday GajendarTheme Four Intro
June 6, 2023
