Most startups are tight-strapped for money and often look for ways to save it. They distance themselves from investments that would cost them big bucks. Unfortunately, user research is a prime victim of this self-sabotage. Many startups ignore UX research assuming they can do without it. We are here to tell you that they cannot.
You may ask why startups need to invest in a UX researcher? Well, creating a product mandates that you possess a good understanding of customers and you will use it. Many startups bypass this process thinking they know the customer needs. And that is exactly why startups, especially ones in India, see only a 10% success rate. These statistics are horrifying when India, on average, gets about 50,000 new startups annually. Unfortunately, this is not a unique case limited to just India.
This article will inform you about why startups shy away from investing in user research. We will also dispel some common misconceptions and demonstrate the benefits that come with user research. Above all, we will discuss why every startup should hire a UX researcher to do the job. Let's dive right in!
What is UX Research, and Why Do Startups Shy Away from it?
UX research is what a UX designer does to study and evaluate the target audience. For this purpose, a UX design agency hires a UX researcher who would provide information and data about behavioural patterns, interaction, and user experience of the target users while using a specific product or service.
So what stops the new entrepreneurs from investing in UX research? It could be the mindset that research is expensive and time-intensive. Many startups shy away from user research, assuming it is exorbitant while doing the exact opposite. They also believe it to be a time-consuming process as well. However, it saves time and money when you invest in testing it before it is offered to the users. Proper research is an effective way of reducing both time and expenses.
Another reason could be the presumption that we know our users well already. So why waste time and money on something we already know? User needs and feelings evolve with time, and it is wrong to assume you know the target audience without proper testing. UX research is all about understanding their needs and experience. Taking them for granted would cost you more than what you were trying to save in the first place.
Hiring a UX Researcher: Why is it Essential to Your Startup
UX research can bring a great positive impact on your business. The value of good qualitative research is underestimated in the startup world. Even though UX research can be complex and challenging, it is more crucial than ever before. It takes a good understanding of what your user wants and needs to remain competitive in today's startup market. However, this skill set is often overlooked and the last thing on the minds of entrepreneurs.
Interestingly, every UX designer does not automatically qualify to work as a UX researcher. So what does a UX researcher do? The role of a UX researcher extends beyond basic research skills. The skillset involves exploring user motivation, behaviour and user experience towards new products or features. Some of the characteristics of a qualified UX researcher are:
- Comprehensive understanding of research design and different research methods:No one size fits approach to UX research. So it is the responsibility of a UX researcher to determine what works best for your startup project.
- Uncover pain points, needs and motivations: Just like a doctor tries to diagnose a patient by uncovering pain points, a UX researcher is also well equipped to ask users what they want and need to make the correct decision or diagnosis.
- Unbiased and neutral point of view: A good UX researcher presents an unbiased and neutral point of view, unlike startup owners and developers. This detachment will limit assumptions and encourage the researcher to ask the right questions.
Let's discuss some benefits of hiring a UX researcher for your startup project. These are:
- You receive a deep understanding of your potential users and even get to see them in action. By paying close attention to users, we eliminate misunderstandings and are allowed to resonate with your target audience.
- A UX researcher also improves the design audit process. Well-conducted research always checks your personas for accuracy; plus, it validates your assumptions and analysis.
- UX research can be budgeted and doesn't always have to be expensive. When planned well with clear goals, it cuts unnecessary spending and saves a lot of time and money.
- A good UX researcher helps to raise your chances of success significantly. They provide you with an in-depth understanding of your user needs which allows you to tailor your product to match those needs.
By now, you must have understood the importance of hiring a good UX designer for your early-stage startup project. Adding experienced UX professionals to your startup team is essential to take your startup from idea to the next level and then beyond. Lack of this may result in a weak and poor foundation for the product or brand you are trying to build. So, make wise decisions and hire the right people who have the skills, means and experience to boost your startup.
