UX Research Strategy

Philip Burgess
Sep 30
2 min read

Updated: Oct 21

Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader

Exploring AI + UX Research to shape better human experiences

Why Strategy Matters in UX Research

UX research is more than usability tests and surveys—it’s a strategic function that shapes how organizations understand customers and make decisions. Without a clear strategy, research risks becoming a series of disconnected projects that struggle to influence product direction.

A strong UX research strategy ensures that insights are relevant, timely, and actionable—driving not just design improvements, but measurable business outcomes.

Key Elements of a UX Research Strategy

Align to Business Goals
- Anchor research initiatives to KPIs, OKRs, or strategic priorities.
- Always connect insights to growth, retention, or risk reduction.
Prioritize with Frameworks
- Use RICE, Kano, or Impact × Effort models to decide what to study first.
- Focus limited resources on high-impact questions.
Balance Tactical & Strategic Work
- Tactical: usability tests, surveys, quick answers.
- Strategic: discovery, JTBD analysis, long-term trends.
- Both are needed—don’t let one eclipse the other.

Operationalize Research
- Build repositories for cumulative learning.
- Create playbooks for repeatable studies.
- Standardize templates for efficiency and consistency.
Influence Through Storytelling
- Insights only matter if they inspire action.
- Use executive one-pagers, highlight reels, and annotated prototypes to land the message.
Embed Continuous Discovery
- Move beyond one-off projects.
- Establish rhythms (weekly or monthly micro-tests).
- Keep a living backlog of research questions.

The Role of AI in Research Strategy

AI is emerging as a force multiplier in research operations. From drafting screeners to synthesizing transcripts, AI can accelerate workflows—freeing researchers to focus on strategy and storytelling.

But strategy remains human: knowing what to ask, why it matters, and how to act on the answers.