UX Research with No Budget – Getting Insights Without Spending a Dime

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

User experience research often feels like a costly endeavor, requiring expensive tools, professional testers, and extensive resources. But what if you could gather valuable insights without spending any money? This post explores practical ways to conduct UX research on a tight or nonexistent budget. You will learn how to tap into free resources, leverage your network, and use simple methods that deliver meaningful results.

Collecting user feedback through a basic online form

Start with What You Have

Before looking for external tools or participants, assess the resources already available to you. Your existing users, colleagues, and social networks can provide a wealth of information.

• Use your current user base: If you have a website or app, add a short feedback form or survey. Tools like Google Forms or Typeform offer free plans that are easy to set up.

• Ask colleagues or friends to test: Even non-experts can spot usability issues. Ask them to complete tasks while you observe or record their screen.

• Review existing data: Check analytics platforms like Google Analytics for user behavior patterns. Look for pages with high drop-off rates or unexpected navigation paths.

  
  

These steps require no budget but can reveal key pain points and opportunities for improvement.

Conduct Guerrilla Testing

Guerrilla testing means approaching people in public places or online communities to get quick feedback. It’s fast, informal, and free.

• In-person guerrilla testing: Visit a café, library, or coworking space and ask strangers to try your product for a few minutes. Offer a small token of appreciation like a coffee.

• Online guerrilla testing: Post requests in forums, social media groups, or platforms like Reddit. Be clear about what you want and how long it will take.

• Keep tests short and focused: Limit tasks to 5-10 minutes to respect participants’ time and get concise feedback.

  
  

This method helps you gather diverse opinions and observe real user interactions without formal recruitment.

Use Free Remote Testing Tools for UX Research

Several free tools allow you to conduct remote usability tests and interviews without spending money.

• Lookback.io offers a free tier for recording user sessions and interviews.

• Hotjar provides heatmaps and session recordings on a limited free plan.

• Microsoft Teams or Zoom can be used for remote interviews and screen sharing.

• Google Forms or SurveyMonkey help collect structured feedback.

  
  

Combine these tools with your own recruitment efforts to reach users anywhere and gather detailed insights.

Documenting UX research findings with notes and sketches

Analyze Competitors and Similar Products

Studying competitors or similar products can reveal what works well and what doesn’t. This indirect research requires no budget but sharp observation.

• Use competitor products yourself: Note features, navigation, and design elements that stand out.

• Read user reviews: Check app stores, forums, and social media for user complaints and praises.

• Map user journeys: Sketch how users move through competitor products to identify common patterns or gaps.

  
  

This approach helps you benchmark your product and find inspiration for improvements.

Leverage Social Media and Online Communities

Online communities are rich sources of user opinions and discussions.

• Join relevant forums and groups: Platforms like Reddit, Discord, or specialized forums often have active users willing to share feedback.

• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage detailed responses about pain points or desired features.

• Observe conversations: Monitor threads related to your product or industry to spot trends and unmet needs.

  
  

Engaging authentically in these spaces builds trust and uncovers insights you might miss with formal research.

Document and Share Your Findings

Collecting data is only useful if you organize and communicate it clearly.

• Create simple reports or presentations: Summarize key findings with screenshots, quotes, and charts.

• Use visual aids: Diagrams, user journey maps, and annotated screenshots help stakeholders understand issues.

• Prioritize issues: Highlight the most critical problems to address first based on impact and effort.

  
  

Clear documentation ensures your research influences design decisions and product improvements.