Is UX designer to UX researcher transition worth it?

SAP
tropicali

Go to company page SAP

tropicali
Dec 10, 2020 5 Comments

Throughout my UX career of 6 years, I've had the pleasure to experience both the qualitative research & design aspect of the process.
I honestly enjoy the research phase more and feel naturally competent about it. I've used methods like Observation, 1-1 face interviews, field guides etc.

- One of the things holding me back from going full UX research is the compensation. From what I gathered, the comp is usually low compared to design roles that pay 200k+. What comp should I expect from faang & other tech companies for research roles?

- Remote design roles might be abundant in comparison to remote research roles

- I also feel that researchers are valued more at big companies than smaller ones. So the opportunities are also less compared to design for smaller companies or startups. Researchers also have to fight consistently for budget.

What is your experience and advice?

#Research #uxresearcher #design #uxdesigner #productdesign

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 5 Comments
  • Researchers aren't valued anywhere. our value is that product teams can put a checkmark behind a process requirement and that they can say "this was okayed by Research". It's sad, but the reality
    Dec 10, 2020 2
    • Deloitte / Product
      zGCD26

      Go to company page Deloitte Product

      zGCD26
      Depressing but true
      Dec 10, 2020
    • New
      UXsecure

      New

      PRE
      Cognizant
      UXsecure
      That’s really sad. As designers we should fight for our researchers. They only make us look better/smarter!
      Dec 14, 2020
  • Deloitte / Product
    zGCD26

    Go to company page Deloitte Product

    zGCD26
    I would not become a researcher, but instead stay in design and just do a lot of research. You'll end up making better stuff that people like more and thus get better opportunity.
    Dec 10, 2020 0
  • Indeed
    hdidneloa

    Go to company page Indeed

    hdidneloa
    In my experience, comp, promotions and number of roles is less advantageous in research. If you want to transition do it because you truly enjoy it more and are better at it than design.
    Dec 10, 2020 0