Research Practice: Perspectives from UX researchers in a changing field

by Gregg Bernstein

While other research books offer standard operating procedures, this book provides something more durable in the real world. It’s a practical field guide that will give you the encouragement to get started, no matter what your background.—Aarron WalterThis book is not an argument for doing user research. Nor is it a tutorial or toolkit for common methodologies. It won’t show you how to run a usability session or recruit users remotely. Research Practice captures the day-to-day of the practice of user research—what it looks like to work with peers and stakeholders, to raise awareness of research, to make tradeoffs, and to build a larger team. This book takes you inside the field of applied user research through the stories and experiences of the people doing the work. Each chapter explores a specific Finding a way in presents the various pathways people take to this field. You’ll learn how practitioners navigated from schools, the social sciences, fine arts, and beyond to a career that satisfies and rewards a passion for understanding people.Getting started in a new role demystifies why organizations hire researchers, how to assess a role, the hiring process, and how to start when you land a new job.Building momentum describes the different roles and teams a user researcher might work with, how to build and navigate relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, and the best place within an organization for researchers to make an impact.Sharing the work unpacks what researchers really share by exploring how practitioners build an awareness of research, teach research methodologies, and—yes—disseminate research findings with their teams and organizations.Expanding your practice covers how to navigate growth in both influence and headcount for practitioners, from what research leadership means to how to hire a team to when to operationalize a practice.Overcoming challenges exposes the hard parts that no one tells you about user research, from the loneliness of being a team of one to battling imposter syndrome to advocating for change to taking an ethical stand.Where to go next charts the pathways of a research career through an examination of possible career ladders, perspectives on when it’s time to leave a role, and thoughts on where a research leader goes when there isn’t a clear next step. If you’re in school or considering a career switch, you'll learn what a job in user research might look like. If you’re new to the field, you'll see where your career might go and know how to get there. And if you’re expanding the size or reach of a practice, you'll understand how others have approached it.

Genres: Design

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a user researcher in Israel, where it’s a pretty niche profession, it can be difficult to build community, share perspectives, and get/give empathy without wasting a whole lot of time on social media. This book gave me all of that (except the giving part!), in addition to lots of high level, concrete insights to put into practice in my role leading a small research team. Enjoyable read - recommended!

[Roberta Dombrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Greg’s piece this morning about devouring it in a matter of days!

I've landed in UXR after some stints in instructional design and product management. Since transitioning into research I've felt like I found my home so to speak.

Despite that, I've often operated on a UXR team of one where I was conducting research and collaborating with stakeholders.

In the past I've struggling with figuring out career pathing (IC vs. management) and being envious of more mature research teams.

Greg’s book put an end to all of my concerns. This book is a unique aggregated resource of 40+ voices across the industry. Experts are able to show their unique perspectives into how they got to where they are and where the industry is headed. Anyone in the field and adjacent (product, design, etc) should take a look at this guide. I have a feeling I’ll be revisiting it for many years to come!

[Micha Poru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for individuals in the user research industry that are hoping to gain perspective from various experts in the field. The book does not go over user research concepts, so don't expect to gain understanding of the field. However, if you're in the field, it's an invaluable excursion into how various minds think about all the different problems in the field.

[Gunjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what says on the tin.
Different practitioners share their experiences around different aspects of establishing and growing your own research practice as well as in an organisation.

[Shasank Nagavarapu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful bible of sorts for anyone in UX research, with thoughtful curation of anecdotes, principles, and guidelines for a career in this ever evolving space!