user research userlytics

The Ultimate List of User Research Tools for 2022 and Beyond

Google Chrome will stop using third-party cookies by the end of 2024 , as Google announced recently.

This delay gives you extra time to prepare yourself for gathering customer data in a different way than small files stored within web browsers. 

Here's a sneak peek at the ultimate list of User Research Tools for 2022 (and years to come).

User research surveys

You can develop surveys in less time than other data collection methods, and they provide incredibly helpful information thanks to their many use cases. 

Open-ended questions, in-product surveys , and rating scales give you options for researching your user experience.

The most popular tools for creating surveys include Survicate, Qualaroo, and Maze. Here is how they stack up against each other.

#1 Survicate

Is there a way to gather customer data whenever they contact your brand? As soon as your customer makes a purchase, interacts with your app, or performs any other activity?

Survicate is a tool that can help you with that. And much more than that. For example, you can easily embed surveys to the website , create email campaigns that include an embedded short question, send follow-up emails with surveys after the purchase – and get the most accurate answers from your customers when they think about you at that moment. 

Using this survey builder, you can create guided surveys intuitively without getting stuck. Survicate provides many handy and well-designed survey templates you can use immediately.

Best rated features

• Regardless of the plan you choose, there is no limit to the number of responses.
• Expert-designed survey templates (NPS, CSAT, CES, and many others)
• Guided visual editor for surveys that is easy to understand and master
• Customized survey paths based on answers
• Rule-based notifications (get notified about the answer via Slack)
• Seamless integrations with, e.g., HubSpot , Intercom , and Mailchimp to create a powerful toolbox for thorough user research 
• A simple way to export data to your CRM, Google Sheets, or XLS

Get ready to dive into the world of customer feedback analysis with Survicate. Sign up for a free account and enjoy a 10-day trial with access to essential features. Don't forget to review our pricing . Paid plans start at just $53/mo.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: After scenario questionnaire survey template.

Maze is a basic survey builder with some features intended for conducting behavioral analysis. It's a stable choice, but it won't give you a wide array of choices for collecting feedback. 

As a design and usability testing software, it leaves much to be improved. The pre-built template questions can’t be excessively customized – you can’t, for example, choose from multiple questions and survey formats. So from a technological point of view, it wouldn’t be a complex solution.

The free and lower-tier plans are pretty limited – many features are locked behind a paywall. Maze templates aren't also available in the cheapest plan. Access to custom designs requires upgrading your plan, making it unnecessary for small businesses that don't need all the features. 

• Heatmaps, click trails, and screen recordings to see how users behave
• Smart reporting that automatically generates visually dynamic reports
• Tests sharing via links 
• Assignment of team roles to streamline the workflow

Maze offers three plans - Free, suitable for individual purposes (limited to 25 responses), Professional (for $99 per month), and Organization plan. This one is suitable for more advanced research; the pricing is variable. 

✅Yes, Maze provides a free plan, but it’s limited to 25 responses and doesn’t provide custom templates. Also, you’ll quickly run out of responses, as 25 isn’t a lot.

#3 Typeform

The Typeform survey software is one of the most popular choices, so we decided to take a closer look at it. The verdict? The Typeform experience has been positive, but it is not without flaws. 

Although simple, creating more complex surveys with Typeform can be a headache. The tool lags as soon as the form begins to be longer than a few questions. There is also some user interface (UI) limitations – exporting data and creating reports can be challenging.

But still, it’s worth noting that Typeform provides quite an extensive number of product survey templates that are aesthetically pleasing. There are many to choose from; they are interactive, simple, and easy to implement. This is a suitable choice for basic user research, but not more than that.

• Automation of creating paths for future workflow 
• Converting existing forms into the system
• Clear, simple survey templates, easy to create

Typeform prices start at $25 for the Basic plan (limited to 100 responses per month). The Plus plan costs $55 per month, and the highest, suitable for more advanced research – is $89 per month. 

✅Yes, Typeform provides a free plan. 

User interviews

How to interview your users in a remote setting? Because of the pandemic, this user research method has become widely used, and you’ll see all sorts of companies using them to collect customer feedback.

However, doing them right takes time and lots of preparation. Some tools can help you with it, such as MagnoliaHQ or User Interviews. What if we told you we found alternatives? 

#4 UserZoom

UserZoom is like Zoom, but geared more toward business purposes. It gives you the ability to conduct thorough user interviews with help to accelerate and scale UX research practices at the same time.

It’s a tool that can gather detailed information about the users and easily share those data directly from the platform to your stakeholders. What’s more, UserZoom equips UX researchers with a learning platform that they can use to create better digital experiences.

However, it can be somewhat challenging in international research, especially when the respondents' language isn't English. Still, it's an excellent tool for research projects, letting you collect insights without spending hours interviewing and recruiting users.

• A/B testing to create two forms of action and gauge which one is more effective 
• Session scheduler for setting your availability preferences and letting participants choose a time that's convenient for them
• Automated transcription of recorded sessions 
• Video highlights without requiring external video editing software
• Note-taking during the session, synced to playback 

The vendor does not provide pricing on their website. However, several sources claim that their monthly plans start at $5,000.

⛔️No, UserZoom does not provide a free plan. 

#5 Lookback

With Lookback , a simple-to-use interview software, you can gather user insights and turn them into actions. You can do unmoderated user research using any device through a single link.

Overall, this tool has a good user experience. You can easily set up a sequence of tasks for your participants to follow and make notes during the conversations. In addition, a straightforward interface makes organizing all your gathered data easy.

There are, however, many complaints about frequent bugs and errors occurring during sessions. A drop in connection can cause the data not to be saved.

• Virtual Observation Rooms, timestamped notes, team chat, shared insights
• Touch indicators on taps and gestures
• Highlight reels and transcriptions
• Cloud recording that lets all sessions be stored online
• One-link conversation participation
• Availability on all devices

Lookback offers four monthly plans starting at $25 and going up to $344. There is also the Enterprise plan available that provides a dedicated Compatibility Support Module (CSM).

⛔️No, Lookback does not provide a free plan. However, there is a 60-day free trial available.

Researcher-specific features make dscout ideal for conducting user interviews. You can be “live” anywhere and follow your user when they navigate your website and shop via the app to be truly in context.

If you’re looking for users for one-to-one meetings, dscout provides a platform with 100,000+ engaged participants. You can evaluate them by their photos, videos, and open answer responses to choose the most accurate ready scouts. 

However, it is limited in some ways. Research is restricted to only one picture and video per entry, and video submissions cannot exceed two minutes.

• Isolating clips to cut right to the moments that matter
• Vendor-provided database of respondents
• Actionable data analytics
• Tools for tagging, storing, and searching customer responses

The vendor provides subscription plans – Researcher, Team, and Enterprise. They differ in the number of seats, support hours, and features available. Detailed pricing information is unavailable, but their team can provide an estimate and demo upon request. 

⛔️No, dscout does not provide a free plan. 

Insights repositories

Is your team using insights repositories to store and share findings? If not, you're missing out on a powerful tool that can streamline your team's work.

A user research insight repository is a place to store all the data gathered during user research. Such tools as Dovetail, Userbit, and EnjoyHQ, make it easy for team members to find and share user insights, which can help them work more quickly and effectively.

What insight repositories are worth considering in the coming years?

#7 Reframer

Reframer is a qualitative research assistant – it stores all notes, observations, and research data in one place, making it easier to uncover its meaning.

With its clutter-free interface, you can concentrate on the essential things and streamline the journey to understanding your users. In addition, you can enhance this tool with other options (such as card sorting or tree testing) to provide end-to-end workflow within one platform. 

This insight repository eliminates spreadsheets and other redundant documents and simplifies team collaboration during user research. 

• Distraction-free interface
• Recap of the captured information 
• Building themes to spot patterns in the observations
• Analyzing findings with artificial intelligence

Pro is the most popular Reframer plan choice ($249 per month for one user). A custom Enterprise plan is available if you want to make UX research an integral part of the entire organization.

✅Yes, Reframer provides a free plan.

User analytics

By tracking user behavior, you can determine what's working and what isn't, identify pain points, and make necessary changes to improve your site or app. 

While many user analytics tools are available, such as Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Smartlook, not all are suitable for the same purposes.

The following are our top picks in this category.

#8 Userlytics

Userlytics is a user research platform for gathering UX insights. With its easy-to-follow onboarding process and training system, this solution stands out from other products available on the market.

It gives all the necessary tools to conduct your user research and can guide you through every step of the way, making it an enjoyable tool.

Moreover, this platform provides access to over 1.5 million people who can participate in your research.

• AI-based audio transcriptions
• Unlimited storage of study results and metrics
• Preliminary study questions to filter out participants who don’t meet target demographics
• Prototype testing in any stage of development
• Analysis and reports with clear takeaways and actionable steps

Userlytics pricing is complicated. You have access to the Enterprise Pricing Calculator, which helps determine how much you can spend on features. You can also select preferred features and customize the plan to your needs. 

⛔️No, Userlytics does not provide a free plan. 

A popular feature of Hotjar is its heatmaps, which show where people click, scroll on, and move on the website. It provides a visual way to see how users behave and what you can do to improve their experience.

As well as for tracking user actions, Hotjar is also a great tool for wide-ranging analytics to get a deep understanding of your users. It can also be integrated with many other tools (such as Zapier and Google Analytics) to enhance collaboration and overall team workflow.

Just as with any other tool, it has some pitfalls. It’s not always user-friendly, and the interface might be overwhelming, especially for beginners in this field.  

• Heatmaps to visualize user behavior 
• Session recordings to map the entire user journey
• A comparison of desktop, mobile, and tablet experiences
• Setting up heatmaps is easy (all you need to do is add just one script to your website) 

There are three Hotjar plans available. They vary between $39 to $99 per month, depending on the daily sessions you want to monitor. A scale plan is also provided.

✅Yes, Hotjar provides a free plan.

Find your perfect match

With all the tools listed above, you should have no problem finding the one that meets all your needs. We strongly believe that your perfect user research fit is among them.

Take steps to maximize your product potential, and start by doing user research with the right tool right from the start. Go the extra mile with Survicate and sign up for a free trial today! Also, you can foster your decision-making by checking our newest ranking of best website satisfaction tools .

We’re also there

Research platform comparison

Userlytics vs UserTesting

See how Userlytics and UserTesting compare to each other (and to Maze) to help you decide which is the better fit for research with your users.

All-in-one holistic platform

Both Userlytics and UserTesting focus on collecting insights from video interviews and recordings. Maze enables both quantitative and qualititative insights through methods like card sorting, interview studies, or prototype testing.

Intuitive & user-friendly

Say goodbye to clunky platforms and steep learning curves. Maze is an easy-to-use platform with native functionalities and direct integrations with design tools. Tests can be carried out on any device, enabling quicker testing and easier adoption by your team.

Robust, customizable reporting

Both Userlytics and UserTesting's reporting/analytics are perceived as lacking. Maze’s AI-first technology auto generates reports, analysis and themes allowing you to collect and share insights faster.

Platform comparison (from G2 reviews)

The ratings above are from the popular review platform G2 , where independent users provide their honest feedback about software. It's clear that Maze has the edge over UserTesting and Userlytics when it comes to providing a seamless onboarding and user experience, as well as overall vision to where the product is going. When it comes to pricing, Maze is the only platform with a Free plan. The actual investment required for a paid plan will vary depending on the size of your organization and functionalities you want to see in your research platform.

Userlytics vs UserTesting: Features comparison

UserTesting

Adobe XD, Axure, Figma, Framer and Sketch

Adobe XD, Axure, Figma, Sketch

Slack, Trello, Google Calendar

Amplitude, Atlassian, Dovetail, Miro, Notion, Slack

Main takeaways from the above detailed feature comparison between Userlytics, UserTesting, and Maze:

→ All three platforms have a solid portfolio of research functionalities, so it comes down to how easy and effective are they in the context of your research. → While the recent acquisition of UserZoom allowed UserTesting to tap into the quantitative/unmoderated space, technically it can take years before it provides a seamless, "all-in-one" platform experience. Additionally, they currently restrict the types of study/blocks you can run concurrently, so it can quickly become a very expensive option to scale research across your company. → Userlytics  and  UserTesting  may have the edge when it comes to traditional 1-on-1 moderated interviews,, since its been its focus for years. However, that comes with a high burden: relying on scheduling, scripting, and reviewing moderated interviews can make the extraction of insights extremely time-consuming. 

→ Maze boasts the most complete mix of native quantitative and quantitative research methods in a single, native platform, approaching moderated interviews with AI to make this type of research more efficient and precise.

→ When it comes to reporting, Maze offers the most robust set of reporting features, with options to filter and customize its automated, visual-rich reports and share it with stakeholders.

Userlytics vs UserTesting: Participant recruiting & management

150 countries

35 countries

150+ countries

Main takeaways from the above participant recruitment and management comparison between Userlytics, UserTesting, and Maze:

→ All three platforms allow customers to find participants through a research panel but only UserTesting and Maze have the option to self-recruit from your own database. Prices vary greatly depending on the plan you're in. → After merging under the name UserTesting , its panel transitioned to IntelliZoom, which caused some significant customer upset. It allows participant recruitment from only 35 countries. Maze Panel is powered by Prolific and Cint and covers 150+ countries. → Both UserTesting and Maze have a participant management database solution available, but only Maze has the ability to actually send targeted product research campaigns to your very own participants.

By now, you should have a clear sense of all three platforms, from the features they offer to the pros and cons of each. At the end of the day, choosing between UserTesting, Userlytics, and Maze comes down to which platform aligns better with your workflow and vision as a team.

Both Userlytics and UserTesting are platforms driven by video-based human insight, and may have the edge when it comes to traditional 1-on-1 moderated interviews.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive platform, Maze may be the best option o have a truly “all-in-one” native research solution, offering qualitative research methods in pair with a solid quantitative breadth of native functionalities. With AI-powered tools for both moderated and unmoderated studies and options to filter and categorize insights in beautiful data-driven reports, Maze enables product teams to uncover user insights at scale. Sign up for free and see for yourself!

Inform decisions with real customer insight

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your research, Maze will lead you towards always delivering a truly user-centric product.

Our team transitioned away from UserTesting to Maze at the start of the year, and it's been an invaluable tool for making us more customer-centric in a fast, actionable way. We've reduced the time it takes to run a study from an average of 12 weeks down to just 1 week.

Heidi Brown

Director of Product Design and User Research at Classy

Why product and design teams choose Maze over UserTesting and Userlytics

End-to-end research platform

Deliver value to customers faster with a breadth of native quantitative and quantitative research methods enhanced by AI that anyone in your team can quickly put live.

More about Maze AI

Prototype testing, done right

Integrate with leading design tools and validate usability across your prototypes with real users, before investing valuable resources.

Works with:

In tools like UserTesting, you spend hours analyzing data manually to build reports. Maze's reports are automated, visually-rich, and fully customizable. Filter and categorize information in detail to uncover patterns and share valuable insights with stakeholders.

Frequently asked questions

How can I start using Maze?

Feel free to signup for a free account at Maze to play around with the platform. If you still have questions about how Maze works or how it can help your organization, get in touch with our product experts .

Who is Maze for?

Anyone working in a product team should be empowered to do research—whether you’re a designer, researcher, product manager, or other.

Maze is used by teams that want to empower everyone to collect actionable user insights to make informed decisions, and share learnings across their whole organization.

Does Maze use AI?

Maze has a breadth of AI-powered functionalities designed to elevate your product research and enabling you to collect more insights, faster, and with more precision than ever before.

Can Maze do moderated interviews?

Yes. Interview Studies allow your to schedule, run, and analyze user interviews seamlessly with Maze.

Can I request a demo?

Absolutely! Tell us a little about your company here and we’ll connect you with someone in our team.

Do you have comparisons with other platforms?

Yes. Read on to discover all comparisons of Maze with other platforms .

Don't settle for legacy user research

Maze gives product teams a scalable way to uncover user insights at speed and feed them across the entire product development cycle.

Company name

Company size

How can our team help?

7 Best UX Testing Tools to Optimize Your Website

Key takeaways, best 7 ux testing tools right now, best 7 ux testing tools comparison table, best 7 ux testing tools: our verdict, conclusion about best 7 ux testing tools, faqs about best 7 ux testing tools.

UX testing tools help you analyze user behavior and identify issues in your website or app, helping you improve the overall user experience.

For example, FullSession offers session recordings and replays, interactive heatmaps, customer feedback tools, error tracking and conversion funnel optimization tools to give you a complete picture of the customer journey.

You can quickly pinpoint the key issues hindering the user experience and optimize your website for maximum performance.

Book a demo to see how it works.

Many usability testing tools help increase customer engagement, streamline user journeys, and boost conversions. 

However, finding the right tool can be tricky, as you need a balance of features, affordable pricing and ease of use. In this article, we’ll explore the best UX testing tools and guide you to the perfect solution.

Visualize, Analyze, and Optimize with FullSession

See how to transform user data into actionable insights for peak website performance.

• FullSession is a leading user behavior analytics software designed to help you visualize all user engagement, analyze trends and patterns, and optimize your website for peak performance. Key features include session recordings and replays, interactive heatmaps , customer feedback forms and reports, error analysis, and conversion and funnel optimization tools. It fully complies with GDPR, CCPA, and PCI standards . Pricing starts at $39/month, with a 20% discount on annual plans. Request a demo to see how it can benefit your business.
• Maze is a user-testing tool that allows product teams to gather feedback without writing code. Its key features include prototype testing, user surveys, usability testing, and detailed reporting. Maze is best for fast feedback cycles and design validation but lacks advanced features like session recordings and heatmaps. Pricing starts at $99/month. 
• UserTesting is a human insight platform that enables businesses to collect real-time feedback through video recordings and live interviews. Key features include moderated and unmoderated usability testing, video feedback, user segmentation, and customizable tasks. It’s suitable for enterprise teams needing in-depth, qualitative insights but can be costly for small businesses. Pricing is customized based on business needs, with no public pricing tiers available.
• UXtweak is a UX research and usability testing platform designed to help businesses improve their digital products. Its features include session recordings , tree testing, first-click testing, heatmaps, and surveys. UXtweak is user-friendly and covers all aspects of UX research, though premium plans are more expensive, starting at $99/month.
• Lookback is a cloud-based usability testing tool specializing in live and recorded user testing . Key features include live moderated sessions, unmoderated testing, session replays, collaboration tools, and user recruitment. It’s a good option for teams needing real-time feedback , though it has fewer integrations and has a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with UX research. Pricing starts at $25/month, and enterprise options are also available.
• Userlytics is a user testing tool focused on both moderated and unmoderated testing for websites, apps, and digital products. Its key features include global user recruitment, session replays, surveys, and multi-device testing. It’s ideal for gathering large-scale qualitative feedback but can become expensive for larger testing needs and it offers limited customization in targeting specific demographics. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing structure for maximum flexibility.
• UXArmy is a cloud-based remote user research platform that helps businesses gather unmoderated feedback on websites and apps. Its key features include remote usability tests, surveys, task analysis, and a pool of testers for recruitment. UXArmy lacks advanced features like session replays or heatmaps. The platform is easy to use but offers fewer integrations and customization options compared to more established competitors. For pricing, you need to contact their sales team for a direct quote.

Let's take a closer look at each UX and usability testing tool.

Below, we’ve highlighted the best UX testing tools available right now, each offering unique features to help you improve your platform’s user experience:

• FullSession ( Get a demo )
• UserTesting

We have evaluated these tools based on user ratings, key features, supported platforms, integrations, customer support, pricing, pros and cons.

1. FullSession

FullSession is a comprehensive user behavior analytics software that gives you a complete overview of user interactions with your website, web app, or landing page. 

With FullSession, you don’t have to conduct user interviews, spend time gathering focus groups, or rely solely on subjective feedback. 

Instead, you can use real-time data and advanced analytics to observe genuine user interactions and behaviors, allowing for more accurate and actionable insights into how users engage with your website or app.

It goes beyond basic metrics and raw data. With FullSession, you can capture user engagement , watch real-time sessions, and analyze the entire user journey —all within an intuitive dashboard.

It allows you to spot problem areas on your site, test different page elements, and refine your design to boost usability and performance. 

You can identify conversion barriers, fine-tune critical touchpoints, and reduce drop-offs in your sales or marketing funnels .

By gathering direct feedback from users, FullSession also helps you understand the causes behind frustrations and allows you to respond swiftly and address recurring issues.

What sets FullSession apart is its commitment to security and privacy. The platform complies with GDPR, CCPA, and PCI standards , ensuring that all user data is handled responsibly and safely.

Book a demo today and discover how FullSession can help you improve the user experience.

FullSession is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Digital marketers
• UX designers
• Data analysts
• Quality assurance teams
• Product development teams
• Customer support teams
• Customer experience professionals

FullSession is perfect for e-commerce businesses as it helps them track user behavior, optimize conversion funnels, and quickly identify friction points that could impact sales. 

For SaaS companies, it offers in-depth insights into user interactions, allowing them to improve product experiences and increase user retention.

Key features

• Advanced user and event segmentation: Use diverse criteria to categorize your website users, identify behavior patterns, and optimize their experience. Understand trends and improve engagement, leading to higher conversion rates .
• Session recording and replay: You can observe how users interact with your site in real time. Identify and address user experience issues while excluding sensitive data recording.
• Interactive heatmaps: FullSession's heatmaps provide immediate data on how users navigate your site, including where they click, move their cursor, and scroll. This feature has zero impact on site performance and helps you identify elements causing user frustrations and poor UX. 
• Customer feedback tools: Collect user insights through customizable feedback forms. Combine customer responses with session replays to fully understand user behavior and why they may have given specific feedback.
• Conversion optimization tools: Understand why users drop off during key processes, such as filling out forms or checking out. You can visualize where people abandon funnels and experiment with different designs and page elements to improve results.
• Error detection: FullSession automatically flags website errors like JavaScript issues and failed API calls, allowing you to fix them quickly and prevent disruptions in user experience.

Get a demo today to see how the platform works.

Supported platforms

FullSession tracks user behavior on websites, web apps, and landing pages and can display recordings of mobile website interactions.

Integrations

FullSession offers multiple integration options to make it easy to manage workflows and keep data in sync. With support for APIs, webhooks, Zapier, and built-in integrations, you can automate tasks and ensure smooth data transfers between your apps.

For example, FullSession works effortlessly with third-party platforms such as BigCommerce, Wix, Shopify, and WordPress, allowing you to simplify your processes without the need for complex setups.

Customer support

FullSession offers reliable customer support through live chat and email. You can also access helpful resources in the comprehensive help center .

FullSession offers three pricing tiers— Starter, Business, and Enterprise —catering to businesses of all sizes. The Starter plan begins at $39 per month and includes unlimited heatmaps and recordings for up to 5,000 monthly sessions, making advanced analytics accessible without a heavy investment.

For those looking to save more, an annual subscription provides a 20% discount on all plans . Enjoy the Starter plan at only $32 per month .

To see the full range of pricing options, check out the Pricing page.

• Real-time tracking of dynamic site elements
• Instant heatmap data with no performance lag
• Strong privacy controls that exclude sensitive data from session recordings
• Easy-to-use platform with advanced analytics for actionable insights
• Compatible with leading platforms for seamless integration
• Ideal for cross-team collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together using shared data
• No support for mobile app data collection

Image source: G2

Maze is a user research tool designed for product teams, UX designers, and marketers. It focuses on rapid testing and feedback collection , allowing teams to validate their design ideas and prototypes without needing to write any code.

User rating

Maze has an average user rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 97 reviews on G2.

Maze suits product teams, UX designers, and marketers who need fast feedback on design decisions and want to streamline the validation process.

• Prototype testing: Test designs from tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision.
• User surveys: Gather insights directly from users to understand their needs and preferences.
• Usability testing: Run remote, unmoderated tests to get real-world data on how users interact with your designs.
• Detailed reports: Receive comprehensive data and insights on user behavior and interaction through a detailed usability report.

Maze supports testing on any platform where you can create prototypes and wireframes, and it works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.

Maze integrates easily with popular design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, allowing for quick and easy prototype testing without needing to export or code anything.

Maze offers email support, along with a knowledge base filled with helpful articles and tutorials for troubleshooting and learning how to get the most out of the platform.

Maze has a free plan for smaller teams and individuals, with paid plans starting at $99 per month. The higher-tier plans offer more advanced features, larger testing capacities, and enhanced reporting options.

• Easy to use for non-technical teams
• Integrates well with major design tools
• Affordable pricing for small to medium teams
• Provides quick feedback for rapid iterations
• Lacks advanced features like session recordings and heatmaps
• Reporting options are less customizable compared to other tools
• Limited for teams needing deeper user behavior insights beyond prototype testing.

3. UserTesting

Image source: Capterra

UserTesting is a human insight platform that enables businesses to gather direct feedback from real users. 

It allows you to observe how users interact with your website, app, or product through non-live video recordings, helping you understand their behavior and identify areas for improvement.

UserTesting has an average user rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 706 reviews on G2.

UserTesting is suitable for enterprise teams, UX researchers , product managers, and marketers who need in-depth, qualitative feedback from real users to refine their products and user experiences.

• Live interviews: Conduct real-time, moderated interviews with users to ask questions and get instant feedback.
• Unmoderated usability testing: Run tests without live moderators and gather feedback at scale with video recordings of users’ interactions.
• Video feedback: Collect videos of users navigating your product, with commentary on their experience for more user-focused feedback.
• User segmentation: Target specific user groups based on demographics, behavior, and other criteria to ensure your tests reflect your audience.
• Customizable tasks: Design custom tasks for users to complete, tailored to your specific product goals.

UserTesting supports testing across websites, mobile apps, and digital products, working on both desktop and mobile devices.

UserTesting integrates with a variety of collaboration and product management tools like Slack, Trello, and Jira, making it easy to share user feedback across teams.

UserTesting offers customer support through live chat, email assistance, and a detailed help center filled with resources to guide users through the platform.

UserTesting’s pricing is customized based on the specific needs and scale of the business. They offer tailored enterprise solutions with access to advanced features, making them suitable for large teams and companies that require in-depth user feedback. 

However, you need to contact their sales team for a direct quote.

• Real-time video feedback provides deep insights into user behavior
• Unmoderated and moderated usability testing options for flexibility
• Targeted user groups ensure feedback from relevant audiences
• Highly customizable tests to meet specific research needs
• Pricing can be high for smaller businesses or startups
• It requires more time investment than simpler UX tools
• It's not ideal for quick, high-volume feedback needs

UXtweak is a UX research and usability testing platform designed to help businesses improve their digital products by understanding how users interact with them. 

It offers a variety of tools to test usability, optimize user experience, and gather valuable insights.

UXtweak has an average user rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 39 reviews on G2.

UXtweak suits for UX designers, product teams, digital marketers, and eCommerce businesses looking for a full-featured platform that covers everything from usability testing to analytics and feedback collection.

• Session recordings: Capture and replay user sessions to see how visitors interact with your site, identifying potential pain points.
• Tree testing: Evaluate the effectiveness of your website’s structure and navigation by testing how easily users can find information.
• First-click user testing: Test the effectiveness of your design by seeing where users click first on your pages, helping you gauge whether your CTAs and key elements are clear.
• Heatmaps: Get visual insights into user behavior with heatmaps showing where users click, move, and scroll on your site.
• Surveys and feedback: You can collect user feedback from your audience to understand their preferences and pain points.

UXtweak works across various platforms, including websites and mobile-friendly environments.

You can integrate UXtweak with Figma, allowing you to test your design prototypes and gather valuable insights.

UXtweak provides support through email, chat, and a rich library of articles and tutorials in their help center.

UXtweak offers a free plan for small teams and individuals, with paid plans starting at $99 per month. 

The higher-tier plans include more advanced features and higher test limits, catering to businesses of all sizes.

• Wide range of testing tools, from tree testing to session replays
• Highly customizable tests that cater to various UX research needs
• User-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started
• Free plan available for smaller teams
• Higher pricing for premium plans compared to some competitors
• Limited integrations compared to more established tools
• Advanced features may require a learning curve for beginners

5. Lookback

Lookback is a UX research platform that focuses on live and recorded user testing. It makes it easy for teams to conduct usability testing through moderated and unmoderated research. 

It’s well-suited for UX professionals and product teams that need detailed feedback on user interactions.

Lookback has an average user rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 21 reviews on G2.

Lookback suits UX researchers, product managers, and designers who need real-time user feedback through live testing or want to analyze user sessions at their own pace.

• Live moderated sessions: Conduct real-time user tests where you can ask participants questions and guide them through tasks.
• Unmoderated usability tests: Run usability tests and record user sessions without the need for live interaction, allowing you to gather feedback at scale.
• Session replays: Watch recordings of user interactions to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
• Collaboration tools: Invite team members to observe live sessions or review session replays together for a collaborative research experience.
• User recruitment: Easily recruit participants from Lookback’s user pool or invite your own users to take part in testing.

Lookback supports testing across websites, mobile apps, and desktop applications.

Lookback integrates with prototypes like Adobe XD, Figma, and InVision, allowing teams to conduct usability tests and gather user insights.

Lookback offers responsive customer support through email and live chat. They also provide a range of resources, including tutorials and documentation, to help users get started and maximize the platform’s capabilities.

Lookback offers flexible pricing options based on the size and needs of your team. Paid plans start at $25 per month for up to 10 sessions a year. Enterprise pricing is available for larger organizations that require advanced features and more remote usability testing.

• Real-time moderated and unmoderated user testing options
• Seamless collaboration features for team participation
• Easy-to-use interface for both researchers and participants
• Flexibility to test on websites, apps, and desktop products
• Higher pricing for advanced features, which may be prohibitive for smaller teams
• Limited integrations compared to some competitors
• The learning curve for new users unfamiliar with UX testing methods

6. Userlytics

Userlytics is a user research platform that focuses on delivering in-depth insights into how real users interact with websites, apps, and other digital products. 

It allows teams to run both moderated and unmoderated tests, making it easy to gather qualitative feedback at scale.

Userlytics has an average user rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 148 reviews on G2.

Userlytics is suitable for UX designers, product managers, marketers, and researchers who need user insights to optimize websites, mobile apps, or other digital platforms.

• Global user recruitment: Access a diverse pool of participants from around the world, or invite your own users to test your product.
• Moderated and unmoderated testing: Conduct live sessions with users or let them complete tasks on their own for unmoderated feedback.
• Session replays: Watch recordings of user interactions to see how they navigate and interact with your product.
• Surveys and questionnaires: Combine usability testing with custom surveys to gather detailed insights on user satisfaction and pain points.
• Multi-device testing: Test across multiple platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and desktop applications, to ensure consistency in user experience.

Userlytics supports testing on websites, mobile apps, and desktop applications.

Userlytics is compatible with prototypes built on Adobe XD, Axure, Figma, Framer, and InVision, allowing teams to conduct usability tests, gather user insights, and make data-driven design decisions across various platforms.

Userlytics provides customer support via email and live chat. Their support team is known for being responsive, and they also offer helpful guides and tutorials for getting started with the platform.

Userlytics offers a pay-as-you-go model, which makes it flexible for teams of all sizes.

• Access to a global pool of test participants for more diverse insights
• Moderated and unmoderated testing options for flexible research
• Multi-device testing for websites, mobile apps, and desktops
• Simple, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate
• Pricing can add up quickly with larger testing needs
• Limited customization in participant recruitment options for specific demographics
• Some users report occasional delays in session recordings

UXArmy is a user research platform that helps businesses and product teams improve the usability of their websites, apps, and other digital products. 

It offers a range of tools for gathering user feedback through unmoderated testing, surveys, and usability tests.

UXArmy has an average user rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 87 reviews on G2.

UXArmy is suitable for UX designers, product managers, and digital marketers who want to conduct rapid usability testing and gain insights into user behavior.

• Unmoderated testing: Set up tests that users can complete on their own time, providing feedback on website or app usability without the need for live interaction.
• Remote user testing: Conduct tests with users from different locations to gather feedback from a diverse audience.
• Surveys and questionnaires: Collect additional insights through targeted surveys and questionnaires, helping you understand user preferences and pain points.
• Task analysis: Evaluate how well users can complete specific tasks on your site or app, helping you identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• User recruitment: Access UXArmy’s pool of testers or invite your own users to participate in testing.

UXArmy supports testing on websites and mobile apps.

UXArmy integrates with collaborative design tools like Figma, making it easy for teams to test prototypes, gather user feedback, and collaborate effectively throughout the product development process.

UXArmy offers customer support via email and live chat. They also provide a resource library with tutorials and guides to help users get the most out of the platform.

UXArmy offers flexible pricing plans with custom plans available for larger organizations. The platform also provides a free trial, allowing teams to explore its testing features before committing to a paid plan. You have to contact their sales team for a direct quote.

• Affordable pricing with pay-as-you-go options
• Access to a diverse pool of remote testers
• Simple, easy-to-use interface for creating and managing tests
• Supports both websites and mobile apps for comprehensive testing
• Lacks some advanced features like session replays or heatmaps
• Limited customization options for targeting specific user demographics
• Fewer integrations compared to other more established platforms

Choosing the right UX testing tool can make a big difference in improving your website’s user experience . To help you make an informed decision, we've created a comparison table that highlights the key features of the top UX testing tools.

Now that we've gone over our usability testing tools shortlist, FullSession proves to be the top option for businesses focused on improving user experience and optimizing website performance. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Track dynamic elements in real time: FullSession allows you to capture interactions with dynamic site elements, offering detailed insights into user behavior.
• Instant heatmap generation: Get heatmap data instantly without affecting your site’s performance.
• Safeguard user privacy: FullSession excludes sensitive data from recordings, ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and PCI regulations.
• Streamlined data management: Handle large volumes of data effortlessly, quickly surfacing important insights.
• Keep tracking focused on your site: User behavior tracking is limited to your platform, ensuring data security and preventing misuse.
• Better team collaboration: FullSession makes it simple for teams to share insights and collaborate effectively on a single platform.

Ready to optimize your user experience? Book a demo with FullSession today and discover how it can transform your business.

UX testing tools are a must-have for any online business that wants to improve user experience and maximize conversions.

They help you understand how users interact with your site, spot problem areas, and make the necessary improvements. Whether you run a SaaS platform, eCommerce store, or any digital business, using the right UX tool can make a huge difference.

Out of all the options, FullSession stands out. It lets you track user interactions in real time, process heatmaps instantly, and manage data efficiently. Plus, it keeps user privacy safe and makes collaboration across teams easy.

If you're ready to optimize your user experience through a no-frills usability testing process, give FullSession a try. Book a demo today and discover how it can transform your website!

What are UX testing tools, and why are they important?

UX testing tools offer a deeper look into how users interact with their websites or apps. The best UX testing tools provide valuable insights into user behavior, allowing companies to identify areas for improvement, fix poor user interfaces, and enhance the overall user experience. These tools are crucial for optimizing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Can usability testing platforms help increase conversions?

Yes, by identifying problem areas in the user journey , such as confusing navigation or slow-loading pages, UX testing tools help you make data-driven changes that can improve user experience. This leads to fewer drop-offs and more conversions as users find your platform easier to use.

Is FullSession suitable for small businesses?

Yes! FullSession offers flexible pricing plans, starting at $39/month (or $32 with an annual plan). Its easy-to-use platform, combined with powerful features like real-time tracking and instant heatmap generation, makes it a great choice for businesses of any size looking to improve their user experience.

• Reviews / Why join our community?
• For companies
• Frequently asked questions

User Research

What is user research.

User research is the methodic study of target users—including their needs and pain points—so designers have the sharpest possible insights to make the best designs. User researchers use various methods to expose problems and design opportunities and find crucial information to use in their design process.

Discover why user research is a crucial part of the design process.

• Transcript loading…

User Research – Get to know your Users, and What They want

To call user research a crucial part of an interaction design process might seem overly obvious. Indeed, it’s the only way to discover exactly what these users need, having first found out precisely who they are. To set out to generate these facts, you must gather data from your users through a structured approach . First, you must choose methods that 1) suit your research’s purpose and 2) will yield the clearest information. Afterwards—to get the insights you want—you’ll need to interpret your findings from all that data, which can be tricky . You can apply user research anytime during the design process. Typically, researchers begin with qualitative measures, to discover users’ needs and motivations . They might later test their results by using quantitative measures .

“Research is creating new knowledge.” – Neil Armstrong, the First person to walk on the Moon

User research essentially splits into two subsets:

Qualitative research – Ethnographic field studies and interviews are examples of methods that can help you build a deep understanding of why users behave the way they do (e.g., why they leave a website so quickly). For instance, you can interview a small number of users and get sharp insights into their shopping habits by asking them open-ended questions. Usability testing is another dimension of this type of research (e.g., examining users’ stress levels when they use a certain design). Qualitative research requires great care. As it involves collecting non-numerical data (e.g., opinions), your own opinions might influence findings.

Quantitative research – With more-structured methods such as surveys, you gather measurable data about what users do and test assumptions you developed from qualitative research. An example is to use an online survey to ask users questions about their shopping habits (e.g., “Approximately how many items of clothing do you buy online per year?”). You can use this data to find patterns within a large user group. In fact, the larger the sample of representative test users is, the more likely you’ll have a statistically reliable way of assessing the target user population. Regardless of the method, with careful research you can gather objective and unbiased data. Nevertheless, quantitative data alone cannot expose deeper human insights.

We can also split user research into two approaches:

Attitudinal – you listen to users’ words (e.g., in interviews).

Behavioral – you watch their actions through observational studies.

Usually, you can get the sharpest view of a design problem when you apply a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative research as well as a mixture of attitudinal and behavioral approaches.

© Interaction Design Foundation, CC BY-SA 4.0

Leverage User Research Methods throughout Development

Industry-leading user experience consulting organization the Nielsen Norman Group names appropriate user research methods for you to use during your project’s four stages . Here are key methods:

Discover – Determine what’s relevant for users.

Diary studies – Have users log their performance of activities or record their daily interactions with a design.

Contextual inquiries – Interview suitable users in their own environment to find out how they perform the task/s in question.

Explore – See how to address all users’ needs.

Card sorting – On cards, write words and phrases and then let participants organize these in the most meaningful way and label categories to ensure your design is logically structured.

Customer journey maps – Create user journeys to reveal potential pitfalls and crucial moments.

Test – Evaluate your designs.

Usability testing – Make sure your design is easy to use.

Accessibility evaluations – Test your design to ensure everyone can use it.

Listen – Put issues in perspective, uncover any new problems and spot trends.

Analytics – Gather analytics/metrics to chart (e.g.) website traffic and generate reports.

Surveys/Questionnaires – Track how users’ feel about your product/design via these.

• Copyright holder: Unsplash. Copyright terms and license: CCO Public Domain. Link: https://pixabay.com/en/clay-hands-sculpting-art-69...
• Copyright holder: Unsplash. Copyright terms and license: CCO Public Domain. Link: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-shirt-an...
• Copyright holder: Indecent Proposer. Copyright terms and license: CC BY-NC 2.0 Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/indecent_proposal/14...
• Copyright holder: Anna Langova. Copyright terms and license: CC0 1.0 Link: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php...
• Copyright holder: Conmongt. Copyright terms and license: CC0 Public Domain Link: https://pixabay.com/en/hourglass-time-time-lapse-clock-1623517/

However you approach user research, always consider the pros and cons of each technique . Card sorting is cheap and easy, for example, but may prove time-consuming when you proceed to analysis. Moreover, it might not provide in-depth contextual meaning. The resources available to you are another constraint. These will decide when, how much and which type of user research you can actually do. Therefore, carefully choose only the most relevant method/s for your research . Also, get stakeholders from your organization involved early on . They can reveal precious insights and help keep your research on track regarding business goals. Overall, user research is a valuable way to validate the assumptions the design team makes concerning users in the field , cut the expense of the best deliverables and keep your product’s demand high and ahead of competitors’ in the marketplace.

User research methods have various pros and cons and involve activities ranging from observations of users in context to controlled experiments in lab settings.

Learn More about User Research

For a fuller grasp of user research, take our course here .

See the Nielsen Norman Group’s list of user research tips .

Find an extensive range of user research considerations , discussed in Smashing Magazine.

Here’s a convenient and example-rich catalogue of user research tools.

Questions related to User Research

User Research is a fulfilling career for individuals driven to comprehend user behaviors and work collaboratively with teams. As a User Researcher, you're instrumental in steering teams towards crafting user-centric solutions. If you're intrigued by a career that combines both analytical and creative insights, consider delving into this field. For a comprehensive understanding, explore the User Researcher Learning Path on our platform.

User Researchers are seeing competitive pay in the industry. On average, they can earn from $92,000 to $146,000 annually. In some smaller firms, user research duties might be combined with a broader UX role. To understand how salaries can differ by region or delve into a broader perspective on UX-related pay, check out this detailed guide on UI UX Designer Salaries for 2023 or Glassdoor's breakdown of User Experience Researcher salaries .

While both are integral to the user experience, User Research and UX Design serve different purposes. User Research delves deep into understanding user preferences and needs, paving the way for informed design strategies. In contrast, UX Design is about sculpting a product based on that insight, ensuring it's both user-centric and aesthetically pleasing. 

Sometimes, especially in compact teams, the roles might blur with a designer handling research. Want a comprehensive insight? Dive into User Experience: The Beginner's Guide to explore their interconnected dynamics.

Yes, there is! Think of UX research as a subset of user research. While both focus on understanding users, user research casts a broader net, examining topics like pricing or delivery preferences. UX research, meanwhile, zeroes in on how users interact with a product and their experience doing so. In short, user research looks at broader interactions, while UX research specifically studies product use. To dive deeper, check out our course on User Research Methods and Best Practices .

User research utilizes varied techniques such as usability testing, A/B tests, surveys, card sorting, interviews, analytics analysis, and ethnographic studies. Every approach brings unique insights and is ideal for specific situations. It's essential to choose the proper technique based on your research goals and your audience. Discover these techniques further in 7 Great, Tried and Tested UX Research Techniques . 

For a comprehensive understanding of usability testing, a popular user research method, check out our course on User Research Methods and Best Practices .

While a related degree can be beneficial, it's not strictly required to become a user researcher. Many successful user researchers have degrees in diverse fields like psychology, design, anthropology, statistics, or human-computer interaction. What's crucial is a mix of relevant education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Even if some employers might favor candidates with a bachelor's degree, it can be in something other than a UX-focused area. Only some degrees specifically target user research. To strengthen your knowledge, consider courses like Data-Driven Design: Quantitative Research for UX or User Research Methods and Best Practices .

While each user research project is unique, some standard steps guide most endeavors:

Determine the research question.

Choose the proper research technique.

Find participants.

Execute the research.

Evaluate the gathered data.

Share the results.

For a thorough understanding of these steps and more, check out User Research – Methods and Best Practices .

There's a wide array of user research tools to pick from, tailored to your research goals, organizational size, and project specifics. Some popular choices include:

For surveys: Typeform or Google Forms.

Card sorting: Tools like Optimal Workshop, Maze or Trello.

Analyzing user activity: HotJar or CrazyEgg for heatmaps.

Usability evaluations: Platforms like Userlytics or Lookback.

Analyzing qualitative data: Miro or Lucidchart for affinity diagramming.

Crunching numbers: Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for quantitative insights.

Usability testing on prototypes: Tools like Adobe XD or Figma.

Presenting findings: Use Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Prezi.

These tools often boast extra features to amplify your research.

Dive deeper into their applications with User Research – Methods and Best Practices .

User research is paramount in creating products that align with users' genuine needs and preferences. Instead of basing designs on assumptions, it provides factual insights into how users feel and interact with products. By engaging in user research, designers can spot usability challenges, collect feedback on design ideas, and validate their design decisions. For businesses, this not only refines product offerings but also strengthens brand loyalty and reputation. A standout user experience gives a company a competitive edge and lowers the chances of product setbacks. Dive deeper into the significance of user research in design with Data-Driven Design: Quantitative Research for UX and User Experience: The Beginner’s Guide .

Literature on User Research

Here’s the entire UX literature on User Research by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:

Learn more about User Research

Take a deep dive into User Research with our course User Research – Methods and Best Practices .

How do you plan to design a product or service that your users will love , if you don't know what they want in the first place? As a user experience designer, you shouldn't leave it to chance to design something outstanding; you should make the effort to understand your users and build on that knowledge from the outset. User research is the way to do this, and it can therefore be thought of as the largest part of user experience design .

In fact, user research is often the first step of a UX design process—after all, you cannot begin to design a product or service without first understanding what your users want! As you gain the skills required, and learn about the best practices in user research, you’ll get first-hand knowledge of your users and be able to design the optimal product—one that’s truly relevant for your users and, subsequently, outperforms your competitors’ .

This course will give you insights into the most essential qualitative research methods around and will teach you how to put them into practice in your design work. You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on three practical projects where you can apply what you’ve learned to carry out user research in the real world . You’ll learn details about how to plan user research projects and fit them into your own work processes in a way that maximizes the impact your research can have on your designs. On top of that, you’ll gain practice with different methods that will help you analyze the results of your research and communicate your findings to your clients and stakeholders—workshops, user journeys and personas, just to name a few!

By the end of the course, you’ll have not only a Course Certificate but also three case studies to add to your portfolio. And remember, a portfolio with engaging case studies is invaluable if you are looking to break into a career in UX design or user research!

We believe you should learn from the best, so we’ve gathered a team of experts to help teach this course alongside our own course instructors. That means you’ll meet a new instructor in each of the lessons on research methods who is an expert in their field—we hope you enjoy what they have in store for you!

All open-source articles on User Research

A simple introduction to lean ux.

• 1.3k shares
• 3 years ago

How to Do a Thematic Analysis of User Interviews

• 4 years ago

How to Conduct User Interviews

• 1.2k shares

7 Great, Tried and Tested UX Research Techniques

User Research: What It Is and Why You Should Do It

• 1.1k shares
• 2 years ago

How to Conduct User Observations

How to Visualize Your Qualitative User Research Results for Maximum Impact

Shadowing in User Research - Do You See What They See?

Creating Personas from User Research Results

The Basics of Recruiting Participants for User Research

Co-Cultures and Value Framing: Know your users

How to Conduct Focus Groups

Understand the User’s Perspective through Research for Mobile UX

Learning Experience Design - The Most Valuable Lessons

Ethnography

Chapter 11: Curated List of Research techniques

Personas for Mobile UX Design

Mobile Usability Research – The Important Differences from the Desktop

How to Prepare for a User Interview and Ask the Right Questions

5 Ways to Improve the UX of Your Applications

Open Access—Link to us!

We believe in Open Access and the  democratization of knowledge . Unfortunately, world-class educational materials such as this page are normally hidden behind paywalls or in expensive textbooks.

If you want this to change , cite this page , link to us, or join us to help us democratize design knowledge !

Privacy Settings

Our digital services use necessary tracking technologies, including third-party cookies, for security, functionality, and to uphold user rights. Optional cookies offer enhanced features, and analytics.

Experience the full potential of our site that remembers your preferences and supports secure sign-in.

Governs the storage of data necessary for maintaining website security, user authentication, and fraud prevention mechanisms.

Enhanced Functionality

Saves your settings and preferences, like your location, for a more personalized experience.

Referral Program

We use cookies to enable our referral program, giving you and your friends discounts.

Error Reporting

We share user ID with Bugsnag and NewRelic to help us track errors and fix issues.

Optimize your experience by allowing us to monitor site usage. You’ll enjoy a smoother, more personalized journey without compromising your privacy.

Analytics Storage

Collects anonymous data on how you navigate and interact, helping us make informed improvements.

Differentiates real visitors from automated bots, ensuring accurate usage data and improving your website experience.

Lets us tailor your digital ads to match your interests, making them more relevant and useful to you.

Advertising Storage

Stores information for better-targeted advertising, enhancing your online ad experience.

Personalization Storage

Permits storing data to personalize content and ads across Google services based on user behavior, enhancing overall user experience.

Advertising Personalization

Allows for content and ad personalization across Google services based on user behavior. This consent enhances user experiences.

Enables personalizing ads based on user data and interactions, allowing for more relevant advertising experiences across Google services.

Receive more relevant advertisements by sharing your interests and behavior with our trusted advertising partners.

Enables better ad targeting and measurement on Meta platforms, making ads you see more relevant.

Allows for improved ad effectiveness and measurement through Meta’s Conversions API, ensuring privacy-compliant data sharing.

LinkedIn Insights

Tracks conversions, retargeting, and web analytics for LinkedIn ad campaigns, enhancing ad relevance and performance.

LinkedIn CAPI

Enhances LinkedIn advertising through server-side event tracking, offering more accurate measurement and personalization.

Google Ads Tag

Tracks ad performance and user engagement, helping deliver ads that are most useful to you.

Share Knowledge, Get Respect!

or copy link

Cite according to academic standards

Simply copy and paste the text below into your bibliographic reference list, onto your blog, or anywhere else. You can also just hyperlink to this page.

New to UX Design? We’re Giving You a Free ebook!

Download our free ebook The Basics of User Experience Design to learn about core concepts of UX design.

In 9 chapters, we’ll cover: conducting user interviews, design thinking, interaction design, mobile UX design, usability, UX research, and many more!

• Professional Services
• Industry Spotlight
• Global Approach
• Why Userlytics?
• Competitor Differentiation
• Moderated Testing
• Unmoderated Testing
• Quantitative Testing
• Prototype Testing
• Accessibility Testing
• Mobile App Testing
• Participant Recruitment
• Branching Logic
• Multi-Channel Testing
• Think Aloud
• Content Testing
• Information Architecture
• Surveys & Quant Usability Testing
• Advanced Methodologies
• AI UX Analysis
• Sentiment Analysis Tools
• Video Analysis Tools
• System Usability Scale
• Biosensor Tracking
• Whitepapers
• Press Releases
• FAQ Clients
• Help Clients
• FAQ Testers
• Help Testers
• Client Login
• Tester Login
• Get Paid to Test

user research

Shifting User Research Agendas: Insights from Social Scientists

• by Userlytics
• August 16, 2023 May 13, 2024

This article explores the value of data visualization in presenting the value of UX research to key stakeholders.

Making Sense of UX Research: 5 Approaches to Structuring Your Findings

• August 10, 2023 May 13, 2024

The Secret to Data Visualization: The Only Tactic You Need to Improve Stakeholder Buy-in to UX Research

• by Nicholas Aramouni
• July 11, 2023 May 13, 2024

UX Matchmaking: You Can’t Hurry Love, but You Can Curate It

• February 14, 2023 May 13, 2024

They say finding love is one of the hardest things to do as a human being. We’ve been fed this narrative our entire lives, with…  Read More » UX Matchmaking: You Can’t Hurry Love, but You Can Curate It

AI for UX Research: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Design Game

• January 17, 2023 May 13, 2024

User Experience (UX) has become a critical differentiating factor for businesses. To meet users’ evolving expectations, UX research plays a pivotal role in understanding user…  Read More » AI for UX Research: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Design Game

Professional Peer Support in UX Research

• by Michelle Helo
• November 23, 2022 May 13, 2024

Things to be Thankful for: Advantages of Professional Peer Support in UX Research Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things we are…  Read More » Professional Peer Support in UX Research

Quantitative User Testing vs Qualitative – Mastering the Methods

• by Nate Brown
• September 7, 2022 May 13, 2024

As staples of nearly all research conducted today, many people think they know about the differences between qualitative (qual) and quantitative (quant) testing. However, in…  Read More » Quantitative User Testing vs Qualitative – Mastering the Methods

• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest
• Share through Email

17 Best User Research Newsletter To Read in 2024

Hannah Clark is the Editor of The Product Manager. Following six years of experience in the tech industry, she pivoted into the content marketing space. She’s spent the better part of the past decade working in marketing agencies and offering freelance branding and content development services. Today, she’s a digital publisher who is privileged to work with some of the most brilliant voices in the product world. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a love of bringing people together, her mission is to foster a fun, vibrant, and inspiring community of product people.

Discover best user research newsletters with insights on UX design, user behavior, research methodologies, and industry trends to keep you informed and ahead in your field.

User research newsletters are absolute godsends for honing your craft. There are so many nuances and schools of thought in this field, and great newsletters allow you to take in a variety of perspectives on topics related to, well, taking in a variety of perspectives!

Here's a summary of each newsletter to help you understand who it's for and why it's valuable.

Best User Research Newsletter Shortlist

Here is the shortlist of the best user research newsletters that I believe are worth joining in 2024:

• User Weekly — For weekly user research insights
• User Research Academy — For in-depth user research articles
• Nielsen Norman Group — For expert UX research findings
• UX Collective — For curated UX design stories
• The ¼″ Hole — For practical user research tips
• User Interviews — For participant recruitment strategies
• UX Matters — For comprehensive UX research discussions
• User Research Bi-weekly — For bi-weekly user research updates
• Pixels of the Week Newsletter — For design and research highlights
• UX.EMAIL — For UX research and design news
• Boagworld — For digital strategy and UX insights
• UX Design Weekly — For weekly UX design and research news
• People Nerds — For user research case studies
• UX Notebook Newsletter — For UX career advice and research tips
• Built From Mars Newsletter — For product design and research stories
• UX Beginne r — For beginner-friendly UX research content
• Research For All! — For inclusive research practices

Find more details about each newsletter below.

Overview Of The Best User Research Newsletter

1. user weekly — for weekly user research insights.

The user weekly newsletter by Jan Ahrend provides cutting-edge updates on UX research trends and GenAI applications, as well as curated user research articles and podcasts from hundreds of sources around the internet.

• Audience: User-experience researchers and professionals
• Newsletter Frequency: Weekly
• Subscribe Here

Why Subscribe:  

User Weekly offers updates on the newest techniques and trends in UX research, such as utilizing ChatGPT and other AI tools, including in-depth articles, videos, and conferences, in a thorough rundown in just a few minutes. Additionally, subscribers will have access to cutting-edge resources, practical applications, and best practices, which enable them to stay ahead of UX developments.

2. User Research Academy — For in-depth user research articles

User Research Academy by Nikki Anderson offers resources like articles, guides, podcasts, and methodologies to enhance user research practices and career development.

• Audience : UX researchers and professionals 
• Size : 8,000+ subscribers
• Newsletter Frequency : Bi-weekly
• Monthly: $21 ($22.06)
• Yearly: $240 ($242.68)

Why Subscribe : 

User Research Academy provides access to in-depth articles, practical project walk-throughs, and curated resources, including the most creative and informative user research content. Subscribers also gain exclusive access to the Dear Nikki podcast, which offers personalized advice on user research challenges. This newsletter combines expert insights, real-world applications, and community-driven discussions

Stay in-the-know on all things product management including trends, how-tos, and insights - delivered right to your inbox.

• Your email *
• By submitting this form, you agree to receive our newsletter and occasional emails related to The Product Manager. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, please review our Privacy Policy . We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

3. Nielsen Norman Group — For expert UX research findings

Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) newsletter delivers the latest usability, design, and UX research articles, offering authoritative insights and practical guidance based on their extensive research and consulting experience.

• Audience : UX professionals and researchers.
• Newsletter Frequency : Weekly

Nielsen Norman Group's newsletter offers unparalleled access to expert insights from leading UX researchers like Jakob Nielsen and Don Norman, ensuring you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in user experience. The newsletter provides diverse, actionable content, including in-depth articles, videos, and exclusive resources, helping you apply cutting-edge methodologies and frameworks in your work. 

4. UX Collective — For curated UX design stories

UX Collective newsletter offers curated stories on user experience, visual, and product design, helping product teams and designers evaluate their work. 

• Audience : UX designers and researchers
• Size : 110,000+ subscribers

UX Collective newsletter offers curated insights on various UX design topics, such as interaction design, user research, and the influence of AI. With articles discussing recent issues like collaboration costs in Figma and the implications of AI metaphors, the newsletter provides valuable perspectives from industry experts and guest writers.

5. The ¼″ Hole — For practical user research tips

The ¼″ Hole is a Substack newsletter focused on user research and UX, delivering detailed articles on research methodologies, industry trends, practical guides, opinion pieces, and creative approaches to UX challenges.

• Audience : User researchers looking for practical tips and resources.
• Size : 2,000+ subscribers
• Newsletter Frequency : Monthly

The ¼″ Hole immerses you in the evolving landscape of UX research with detailed explorations of industry trends, actionable frameworks, and innovative problem-solving techniques. The newsletter covers everything from strategies for building a UX portfolio without formal experience to understanding the impacts of industry changes like layoffs. Each edition is designed not only to inform but also to engage you in meaningful discussions.

6. User Interviews — For participant recruitment strategies

User Interviews newsletter delivers thought-provoking podcasts, in-depth articles, yearly reports like the "State of User Research," and essential tools while offering opportunities for community engagement and professional insights.

• Audience: UX researchers, designers, and professionals
• Size: 100,000+ subscribers

Why Subscribe:

The User Interviews newsletter features detailed case studies highlighting real-world applications of UX research, offering practical insights into how strategies are implemented. It includes guides tailored for startups and advanced readers, covering everything from basic research methods to complex analysis techniques, helping everyone enhance their skills. 

The newsletter also promotes webinars and live events, offering opportunities to learn from industry experts and stay engaged with current discussions. Additionally, it provides curated job listings and career resources to help subscribers advance their professional development.

7. UX Matters — For comprehensive UX research discussions

The UX Matters newsletter by Pabini Gabriel-Petit offers in-depth content on key UX topics and delivers practical advice, best practices, and strategic insights. It covers a wide range of subjects, from actionable tips to emerging trends in digital experiences.

• Audience: UX designers, visual interface designers, and healthcare professionals
• Size: 35,000+ subscribers
• Newsletter Frequency: Bimonthly
• Cost: Free 

UX Matters provides expertly curated content that covers every aspect of User Experience, from practical how-tos and best practices to in-depth thought pieces on strategic and emerging trends. It offers detailed case studies that reveal the real-world application of UX principles, critical book reviews to keep you updated on essential literature, and comprehensive event coverage that distills key insights from major industry conferences.

8. User Research Bi-weekly — For bi-weekly user research updates

The User Research Bi-weekly newsletter delivers the top five most creative, helpful, and informative user research articles, podcasts, templates, events, books, and academic resources directly to your inbox.

• Audience: User researchers at all levels
• Newsletter Frequency: Bi-weekly

User Research Bi-weekly provides access to reliable, innovative resources that enhance creativity and confidence in conducting user research. Subscribers can submit questions personally answered by the authors, offering a fresh, creative perspective on UX research.

9. Pixels of the Week Newsletter — For design and research highlights

Pixels of the Week newsletter by Stephanie Walter offers a curated selection of content focused on user experience design, mobile interfaces, and web development. Each edition includes detailed articles, practical tutorials, and insights into the latest trends, strongly emphasizing mobile and responsive design.

• Audience: Designers, UX researchers, and tech enthusiasts
• Size: 2700+ subscribers

Pixels of the Week gives you access to a meticulously curated collection of the most relevant and cutting-edge UX design, web development, and technology content, including the latest in HTML, CSS, and SVG. Each issue delivers actionable insights and innovative tools and informs subscribers about upcoming events, workshops, articles, and podcast episodes.

10. UX.EMAIL — For UX research and design news

UX.EMAIL newsletter provides links and summaries of the most interesting stories in UX/UI Design, UX Research, and Product Management. It is designed to keep readers informed about everything that matters in UX today in just 5 minutes.

• Audience: UX/UI designers, UX researchers, and product managers
• Newsletter Frequency: Daily

UX.EMAIL gives you access to thoughtfully curated articles that focus on practical strategies like optimizing user flows, mastering Figma's latest features, and staying updated on the developments of AI and systems. It delivers diverse content to deepen your expertise and keep you ahead in the field—all efficiently packaged to fit your busy schedule.

11. Boagworld — For digital strategy and UX insights

Boagworld is a well-respected newsletter created by industry expert Paul Boag, offering in-depth insights on integrating UX principles with digital strategy to enhance website performance and drive business success.

• Audience: UX designers, digital strategists, and business owners looking for practical advice on enhancing digital experiences.
• Size: 10,000+ subscribers.
• Newsletter Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Cost : Free

The Boagworld newsletter provides a consistent stream of actionable insights and practical advice tailored to the constantly changing fields of web design, UX, and digital strategy. In addition to receiving expert tips on enhancing website performance and aligning digital projects with business goals, subscribers can access a free course on securing design approvals and a comprehensive guide to initiating a user experience revolution.

12. UX Design Weekly — For weekly UX design and research news

UX Design Weekly newsletter is a highly curated resource that delivers the latest and most relevant content in user experience design. Each edition compiles top articles, practical tutorials, essential tools, and industry insights, focusing on the latest trends and best practices in UX.

• Audience: UX/UI designers, researchers, and product managers seeking the latest in design trends and research.
• Size: Estimated 30,000+ subscribers.

UX Design Weekly offers a carefully curated selection of the most relevant and impactful UX content, featuring industry leaders' latest tools, in-depth articles, and case studies. It is ideal for those looking to refine design processes, stay informed on cutting-edge trends, or discover new resources to enhance user experiences. Additionally, this newsletter delivers actionable insights and expert knowledge that significantly contribute to professional growth in the UX field.

13. People Nerds — For user research case studies

People Nerds offers a newsletter dedicated to user research and studying human behavior in digital environments. It covers a range of research methodologies, providing practical advice, case studies, and insights to enhance the quality and effectiveness of user research.

• Audience: UX research teams, designers, and anyone interested in understanding user behavior through research.

People Nerds provides a deep dive into the latest user research methodologies, offering actionable insights and tools that help refine and elevate research practices. Each issue delivers a carefully curated selection of research findings, practical tips, and academic summaries designed to make complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable. 

The newsletter strongly emphasizes ethical considerations, inclusivity, and empathy in research, ensuring that subscribers can design user experiences that are effective, socially responsible, and inclusive.

14. UX Notebook Newsletter — For UX career advice and research tips

UX Notebook Newsletter, curated by Sarah Doody, delivers behind-the-scenes UX tips and actionable advice on applying UX and design principles to grow your team, product, and career. It offers practical insights and strategies tailored to help readers navigate and succeed in the dynamic field of user experience design.

• Audience: UX professionals, especially those focused on career growth and research techniques.
• Size: 53,000+ subscribers.

The UX Notebook provides essential content for mastering the technical and strategic dimensions of UX design. Offering a unique blend of actionable insights and detailed guidance on user research, prototyping, and stakeholder communication, it also includes strategies for scaling products and teams. 

With its focus on real-world applications and directly applicable advice, the newsletter equips readers with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the complex challenges of UX.

15. Built From Mars Newsletter — For product design and research stories

Built From Mars newsletter by Peter Ramsey is focused on product design and research, providing readers with in-depth stories and analyses of successful product creation. It offers valuable insights into the strategies and processes behind effective product development.

• Audience: Product designers, UX researchers, and anyone interested in the product development process
• Size: 36,000+ subscribers
• Newsletter Frequency: Bi-monthly
• Product Builders ( $10/month billed annually)
• Teams ( $51/month billed annually)

Built From Mars offers detailed case studies that dissect successful digital product design and development processes, including apps and websites. The newsletter analyzes how these products tackle user challenges, optimize flows, and create smooth interfaces, revealing A/B testing, user feedback integration, and iterative design techniques.

This in-depth examination provides subscribers with a clear, actionable understanding of how to apply similar methods to their projects, making it a valuable tool for mastering product design.

16. UX Beginner — For beginner-friendly UX research content

UX Beginner is a dedicated resource for those new to UX design, offering tailored guidance on building foundational skills, creating portfolios, and navigating the early stages of a UX career. It provides curated learning paths, actionable career advice, and beginner-friendly tools and resources to help subscribers confidently enter and succeed in the UX industry.

• Audience: Aspiring UX designers and beginners looking for foundational knowledge and career advice.

The UX Beginner newsletter offers a structured, step-by-step approach to mastering UX design, featuring curated learning paths that cover essential skills like user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. Each path is designed to guide you through the learning process with the right resources and tools at every stage, ensuring a solid grasp of key UX principles. 

The newsletter also provides actionable career advice, including tips on building a strong UX portfolio, crafting compelling case studies, and preparing for interviews. Additionally, you'll receive recommendations for beginner-friendly tools and templates that simplify complex tasks, helping you confidently apply your new skills as you begin your UX career.

17. Research For All! — For inclusive research practices

Research For All! is a compact UX research newsletter that provides practical, easily digestible insights and strategies that focus on making UX research more accessible and effective, emphasizing inclusivity and real-world application in design and product creation.

• Audience: UX researchers, academics, and anyone interested in inclusive research methods.
• Newsletter Frequency: Monthly

Research For All! provides practical, actionable advice tailored for those conducting UXR (UX research) with limited resources. This newsletter offers expert tips on time-saving research tools, exclusive discounts on courses and webinars, and a bonus Research Plan Template to help streamline the research process. It’s designed to make UX research more accessible and effective, ensuring subscribers can conduct thorough and impactful research, even on a budget.

Join For More Insights

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more product management resources and guides , plus the latest podcasts, interviews, and other insights from industry leaders and experts.

• UX Consulting
• Industry Spotlight
• Competitor Differentiation
• Moderated Testing
• Unmoderated Testing
• Prototype Testing
• Quantitative Testing
• Qualitative Testing
• Website Usability Testing
• Mobile App Testing
• Multi-Channel Testing
• Branching Logic
• Participant Recruitment
• Private Label
• Accessibility Testing
• Think Aloud
• Content Testing
• Information Architecture
• Surveys & Quant Usability Testing
• Advanced Methodologies
• X-Second Test
• First Click Testing
• AI UX Analysis
• ULX Benchmarking Score
• Sentiment Analysis Tools
• Video Analysis Tools
• System Usability Scale
• Case Studies
• Whitepapers
• Press Releases
• FAQ Clients
• Help Clients
• FAQ Testers
• Help Testers
• Get Paid to Test
• > Client Login
• > Tester Login

Resources Hub

Unlock the full potential of your user experience strategies with our comprehensive Resources Hub. Whether you’re new to UX or looking to refine your approach, our collection of expertly curated materials is designed to provide you with actionable insights and industry best practices.

Uncover the latest trends and expert advice in our Blo g

Stay updated with the latest trends and insights in user experience and usability testing. Our blogs provide you with practical tips and innovative ideas to keep you ahead in the digital space.

Learn the importance of UX analysis, how to perform it, interpret UX data, and identify key metrics for success. Read our guide now.

Discover the best UX testing tools for 2024. We've compared six options based on price and features to help you find the perfect fit.

Content testing is a critical tool that every marketer should have in their arsenal. Let's dive into what it is, and how to do it right.

Learn how to go about making sure that your product resonates with your users early in the design process with Preference Testing.

Discover the Gestalt Principles in UX design and how to apply them to design more intuitive products that capture and retain users.

Your UX research depends on the relevance of your study participants. Discover 9 essential tips on how to recruit participants for a UX study.

Stay ahead of the curve by educating yourself on the best UX Research techniques and trends with this curated list of 9 UX Research books.

Usability metrics provide great insights into user-product interactions. These are the 5 most important ones to incorporate in UX Research.

Immerse Yourself and engage with our enriching Webinars

Join industry leaders and UX experts in our interactive webinars. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn cutting-edge UX techniques and ask questions that pertain to your specific needs.

AI in UX. Learn from industry experts about the latest AI technologies and their applications in UX research and design.

The ULX® Benchmarking Score: A New Era In UX Benchmarking.

UX and product-led growth: Learn how UX Testing can help you achieve a product led growth strategy. .......

How to leverage User Experience Analysis Tools in non-UX research departments. Learn about the different UX tools on the market.

How do you define and find your target Persona? Learn exactly how to identify your target customer by using real data and insights

Run Usability Tests in-House. Become an expert in in-house UX testing, and achieve key learnings to improve your brand experience.

Wie man Usability-Tests In-House durchführt: Immer wieder hat sich gezeigt, dass das Testen der Benutzererfahrung ...

Messung des Return on Investment (ROI) der User Experience (UX)-Forschung. ROI and User Research. Userlytics Webinar.

Access comprehensive research and guides in our Whitepapers

Dive deep into the science of UX with our whitepapers. These documents are packed with data, research, and analyses that support you in making informed decisions about your UX strategies.

Discover 'The State Of UX In 2024' report: Key insights on UX research evolution, roles of product managers, and future trends.

In this white paper, we'll explore the powerful connection between UX research and product led growth! Download to learn more.

The subscription Economy: Drive customer retention and upsell opportunities in subscription-based businesses for long-term success.

Should UX Designers Be Doing Research or Should That Be Left Only To UX Researchers?

Marketing Funnel and User Research: Learn when and how to use UX research in each stage of the marketing funnel.

The Value of a UX Platform For Product Managers. Connect with your target customer and streamline your workflow with a UX platform.

Measuring ROI and UX research. How to Measure the ROI of your UX research to Share with Stakeholders.......

Tune in to thought-provoking discussions on our Podcast

Listen on the go with our engaging podcasts. Featuring interviews with UX professionals and thought leaders, our podcasts offer a blend of inspiration and practical advice.

Why CEOs Need To Care About UX - Before It's Too Late. Interview with Userlytics' Founder & CEO Podcast

Join Sarita (Userlytics) and Eniola (Meta) in this podcast to explore the future of UX research, bias mitigation, and artificial intelligence.

The Value of Inclusive Digital Experiences. Inclusive and accessible products are not just "nice to haves", they are absolutely a MUST.

Democratization of user research as you go global. This podcast is brought to you by the UX Nordic Conference and Userlytics

Biases in Ux Research: How insight validity and reliability are at stake if we can't learn to acknowledge or become aware of them.

Explore transformative success stories in our Case Studies

Learn from real-world applications of Userlytics’ platform. Our case studies highlight the successes and challenges faced by brands like yours, offering you lessons and strategies that lead to tangible outcomes.

Customer Success Story: Unmoderated Website Comprehension & Usability

Auburn University set out to enhance the user experience of their website. The objective was to elevate the website’s usability & perception.

Users today hold high expectations for digital content learn more in this Case Study of Moderated Website Exploration

Customer Success Story: Testing for Accessible & Inclusive Excellence.

Stay in the Loop: Catch our Press Releases .

Our press releases highlight the most recent advancements and success stories, offering practical insights and industry trends.

Catalyzing User-Friendly Digital Spaces An Exclusive Interview with Alejandro Rivas Micoud, CEO of Userlytics.

Userlytics is a 2022 Innovatech awards winner. Top usability testing platform earns prestigious award for excellence and innovation in tech.

Userlytics, Leading International Ux Research Platform, Adds Unique No-Download Web Recorder To Its Capabilities.

Userlytics earns certification ISO 27001. recognized best practice framework for an ISMS, ensuring safety of client and participant data

Userlytics, Leading Global Remote UX Research Platform, Opens Asia-Pacific Headquarters In Taiwan. Userlytics PR Releases.

Userlytics Launches New Ux Testing Features: Favorite Activities, Multi-Device Quant Testing, & Mobile Moderation Capability

Userlytics upgrades existing user testing session transcription system to Amazon-transcribe, leading transcription service on the market.

Userlytics surpasses 1 Million Testers: the largest international panel and number of countries among remote UX testing platforms.

Ready to Elevate Your UX Game? Jumpstart your journey with a free demo today.

Discover how Userlytics can transform your user experience strategy!