User experience researchers are in charge of researching user experience features in computer software and other applications. They investigate ways to improve the end-user interaction with computer programs to increase satisfaction, brand loyalty, and overall use. They create reports based on market trends and user surveys, analyzing the information and reporting observations to the user experience manager (or similar individual) in their organization.

Additionally, user experience researchers relay information and ideas to the user experience team and other designers to modify existing computer features and graphics. They must develop innovative solutions for existing user experience issues, create effective strategies to implement user experience changes, perform task analysis, troubleshoot remote applications, and execute prototype testing. User experience researchers work with other researchers and internal teams to form a cohesive user experience platform, as well as conduct focus groups and gather survey results for future versions of the product or service. They plan and coordinate field and crowdsourcing efforts as well.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or another relevant field is required for this position, as is previous experience in a related role. User experience researchers must have strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, as well as work well in a team setting and on their own with minimal supervision. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

User Experience Researcher Tasks

• Interact with clients to determine requirements and set expectations.
• Analyze and report on user data to inform design and deployment.
• Create user scenarios and stories to coordinate with other teams.
• Design and lead user focus groups and data collection.

For User Experience Researchers, Mountain View, Los Angeles, and San Jose, three California cities, are home to the highest salaries in the United States, all offering a rate above the national average. One of the biggest compensable factors for User Experience Researchers is geography, with workers in Austin earning a whopping 20 percent below the national average. Employers pay around 17 percent less in Philadelphia and 12 percent less in Dallas, below-median salaries for those in this field.