ux researcher vs. Data Scientist: What Are the Differences?

There are many different types of jobs in the tech industry, and two of the most popular are data science and UX research. Though both roles require a deep understanding of technology, they have different focuses. Data scientists are primarily concerned with analyzing data, while UX researchers focus on understanding how users interact with products and services.

In this article, we compare the job titles of data scientist and UX researcher, and we discuss the key differences between the two.

What is an UX Researcher?

UX Researchers work to understand how people interact with and use products and services. They use a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data that can be used to improve the user experience. UX Researchers conduct user interviews, surveys, focus groups, and usability tests to gather data. They analyze this data to identify trends and insights that can be used to inform design decisions. UX Researchers work closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that user feedback is considered in the product development process.

What is a Data Scientist?

Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex digital data to help companies make better business decisions. They use their skills in statistics, programming and machine learning to clean, organize and mine data for insights. Data Scientists often work with large data sets, so they must be efficient in their work in order to glean actionable information in a timely manner. They present their findings to company leaders in reports and visualizations to help them make informed decisions about strategic planning, marketing campaigns and product development. Data Scientists typically have a background in computer science, mathematics or a related field.

UX Researcher vs. Data Scientist

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

Job Duties

A data scientist performs a wide variety of tasks, depending on the needs of their organization. They may develop algorithms, study user behavior or analyze large datasets to identify patterns that can help them solve problems. Data scientists also work with other members of their team to communicate findings and develop solutions based on those findings.

A market researcher typically focuses on one project within an organization. They conduct surveys and interviews to gather information about a specific topic and report back with detailed analysis and recommendations. The duties of a market researcher may vary depending on the organization and the research question.

Job Requirements

To become a UX researcher, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human factors, sociology, anthropology or another related field. Some employers also prefer candidates to have a master’s degree or higher. Additionally, many UX researchers pursue certifications through the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) to show they are competent in the field. To earn a certification from the UXPA, researchers must pass an exam and have at least two years of professional experience.

Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or another related field. However, many data scientists have a master’s degree or higher. Data scientists might also pursue certifications through organizations like the Institute for Certified Computing Professionals (ICCP) or the American Statistical Association (ASA). These certifications can help data scientists stand out to potential employers and show they are competent in the field.

Work Environment

UX researchers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to meet with clients and observe users. They often collaborate with other UX professionals, designers and developers to create a product that meets the needs of their audience. Data scientists usually work in an office or lab environment, where they can access large amounts of data for analysis. They may also travel to conferences or meetings to discuss their findings with colleagues.

Skills

Both UX researchers and data scientists use analytical and problem-solving skills in their jobs. They also both need to be able to effectively communicate their findings to others, whether they are presenting their research to a team or client or writing up their findings in a report.

UX researchers typically use qualitative research methods, such as interviews, surveys and focus groups, to gather data about users’ needs and experiences. Data scientists usually use quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis, to analyze large data sets and uncover trends and insights. Both roles require the ability to understand and make sense of data, but data scientists often need more advanced math and programming skills to perform their job.

Salary

UX researchers can earn an average salary of $112,899 per year, while data scientists can earn an average salary of $118,822 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of company you work for, your level of experience and your location.