If you’ve ever heard someone say “I’m in UX” and nodded politely while internally screaming, “But… what does that mean?” — welcome, friend. You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the right place.
Let’s untangle the spaghetti bowl of UX Research and UX Design — two roles that are often mixed up but serve very different purposes (like a chef and a food critic, but for apps).
First, What Is UX Anyway?
UX stands for User Experience. It’s how someone feels when they interact with your website, app, or even your smart fridge that judges your midnight snacks.
Now, within the grand kingdom of UX, there are two major roles:
- 🕵️♀️ UX Researcher – the Sherlock Holmes of the user world
- 🎨 UX Designer – the architect who makes your app look and feel like a dream (or at least not like a 2002 MySpace page)
UX Research: The Detective in the UX Crime Drama
UX Researchers are curious creatures. Their job? Ask questions, gather data, run tests, and analyze user behavior like it’s the season finale of CSI: User Edition.
What do UX Researchers actually do?
- Interview users (with coffee and empathy)
- Run usability tests (aka watch people get frustrated with your product)
- Create surveys and analyze responses
- Identify pain points, patterns, and opportunities
- Translate user struggles into actionable insights (minus the therapy bill)
They’re the ones who’ll tell you, “Turns out, no one clicks that button labeled ‘DO NOT PRESS.’”
UX Design: The Creative Brain Behind the Interface
UX Designers take the juicy insights from the researchers and turn them into wireframes, prototypes, and experiences that make users go “oooh!” instead of “ugh!”
What do UX Designers actually do?
- Create wireframes and prototypes
- Design user flows and journeys
- Collaborate with UI designers and developers
- Iterate based on user feedback
- Advocate for design decisions with stakeholders (aka win PowerPoint battles)
Designers are the people who care deeply about which corner should be rounded and why that “Next” button is making people sweat.
UX Research vs UX Design — The Showdown!
| UX Research | UX Design |
|---|---|
| Investigates problems | Solves problems |
| Talks to users | Designs for users |
| Data + Empathy = Insights | Insights + Creativity = Solutions |
| Usually loves sticky notes | Also loves sticky notes (but cooler ones) |
| “Why are users dropping off here?” | “Let’s redesign that screen!” |
Bottom line: UX Researchers find the “what” and “why.” UX Designers create the “how.”
Why They Need Each Other (Like PB & Jelly)
Imagine a UX Designer working without research:
“Let’s move the checkout button to the top left corner.”
And then 85% of users abandon their carts.
Or a UX Researcher without a designer:
“Users hate this page.”
Cool. Now what?
👉 Together, they create products that people love, not tolerate.
Quick FAQ!
Q: Is UX Research part of UX Design?
A: Yes and no. They’re both under the UX umbrella but are distinct roles.
Q: Can one person do both?
A: Absolutely! They’re called unicorns 🦄 (and they need naps).
Q: Which one should I start with in my career?
A: Depends — love people and data? Go research. Love Figma and flows? Go design.
Final Thoughts
So the next time someone says, “I work in UX,” don’t just nod and smile. Ask:
“Oh, do you do research or design?”
And then sit back as they either look impressed or start explaining with wild hand gestures (both great outcomes).
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