Product Researcher vs. ux researcher: What Are the Differences?

A career in research can be both exciting and rewarding. If you’re interested in pursuing a research-based career, you may be wondering whether a role as a product researcher or ux researcher is right for you. Both positions require excellent research skills and a passion for learning, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between product research and ux research, and we offer tips for choosing the right path for you.

What is a Product Researcher?

Product Researchers work with product development teams to help create products that are both useful and user-friendly. They use a variety of research methods to understand the needs of potential users and how they interact with similar products. This information is used to inform the product development process and help create products that users will find helpful and easy to use. Product Researchers may also be involved in user testing to ensure that the products meet user needs. They may also conduct interviews or surveys with users to gather feedback on the product.

What is an UX Researcher?

UX Researchers work on a wide variety of user-centered design projects. They conduct research to generate insights that inform the design of digital products and services. UX Researchers use a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, usability testing, and analytics. They work closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that research findings are integrated into the product design process. UX Researchers also develop and maintain a deep understanding of users, their needs, and their behavior.

Product Researcher vs. UX Researcher

Here are the main differences between a product researcher and an UX researcher.

Job Duties

Product and user experience researchers fulfill different duties when conducting research. A product researcher uses methods like surveys, focus groups and usability testing to understand how consumers use a product or service. They then share this information with teams within their organization so they can improve the product. Some of their other duties include identifying pain points in the current product, developing new ideas for improvement and evaluating the success of implemented changes.

UX researchers perform many of the same tasks, but they do so with the goal of improving the overall user experience with a product rather than a single product. For example, a UX researcher might conduct multiple rounds of testing on the same product before sharing their findings with the team. They may also work with other UX researchers from across departments to ensure that all products offered by their company meet user needs.

Job Requirements

Product researchers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many product researchers pursue certifications through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

UX researchers typically need a bachelor’s degree in human factors, psychology, sociology, anthropology, information science or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many UX researchers pursue certifications through the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) or the International Usability Professionals’ Association (UPA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use usability testing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

UX researchers typically work in an office setting, often collaborating with UX designers and other team members to create user-friendly products. They may also travel to meet with clients or attend conferences related to their field. Product researchers can also work in an office environment, but they may spend more time traveling than UX researchers do. This is because product researchers need to observe users firsthand as they test a product.

UX researchers usually work full time during regular business hours, while product researchers may have irregular schedules that involve working evenings and weekends. Both positions require attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.

Skills

There are several similarities between product researchers and UX researchers in terms of the skills they use on the job. Both roles require excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to understand customer needs and develop solutions. They also both need strong communication skills to present their findings to stakeholders and collaborate with other team members.

However, there are some key differences in the skills required for these two roles. Product researchers tend to focus more on quantitative data, such as surveys and customer feedback, to understand customer needs. UX researchers, on the other hand, often use qualitative methods, such as interviews and user testing, to gather data. This means that UX researchers need strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with users and elicit meaningful information from them. Additionally, UX researchers need to have a good understanding of human behavior and how people interact with technology, which can be helpful in designing user-friendly interfaces.

Salary

UX researchers can earn an average salary of $112,899 per year, while product researchers can earn an average salary of $77,456 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.