The UX Research Methods That Will Matter More in the Next 5 Years

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

When I first started working in UX research, the methods we relied on felt straightforward: interviews, surveys, usability tests. But as technology and user expectations evolve, so do the ways we understand and improve user experiences. Over the next five years, some research methods will become more important, while others will need to adapt or fade away. I want to share what I see as the most valuable UX research methods that will shape how we design products and services in the near future.

Remote and Asynchronous Research

The rise of remote work and global teams means UX research can no longer depend solely on in-person sessions. Remote research tools have improved dramatically, allowing researchers to gather rich data without geographical limits. Asynchronous methods, where participants complete tasks or answer questions on their own time, will grow in importance.

For example, tools like UserTesting and Lookback let users record their screens and voices while completing tasks. This approach captures natural behavior in real environments, which often reveals insights that lab settings miss. It also allows researchers to reach diverse user groups across time zones and cultures.

In my experience, asynchronous research reduces scheduling headaches and speeds up data collection. It also helps participants feel more comfortable, leading to more honest feedback.

UX Research Methods: Behavioral Analytics Combined with Qualitative Insights

Data from user interactions—clicks, scrolls, navigation paths—has been around for a while. But the next five years will see a stronger blend of behavioral analytics with traditional qualitative research. Numbers alone don’t tell the full story, but when paired with interviews or diary studies, they reveal why users behave a certain way.

For instance, heatmaps might show where users hesitate on a page, but follow-up interviews explain the confusion behind those pauses. Combining these methods helps teams prioritize fixes based on real user pain points rather than assumptions.

I’ve worked on projects where this combination uncovered unexpected issues, like a confusing button label that analytics alone couldn’t explain. This approach leads to more targeted improvements and better user satisfaction.

Immersive and Contextual Research

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are no longer futuristic concepts; they are tools that UX researchers can use to simulate real-world environments. These immersive methods allow users to interact with products in settings that closely mimic actual use cases.

Imagine testing a new retail app inside a virtual store or evaluating a navigation system while virtually walking through a city. These experiences provide context that traditional lab tests can’t match.

In one project, I used AR to test a furniture app by letting users place virtual pieces in their homes. This method revealed usability issues related to spatial awareness that wouldn’t have surfaced in a flat prototype.

Continuous and Embedded Research

UX research is moving away from one-off studies toward ongoing, embedded practices within product teams. Continuous research means regularly collecting user feedback throughout the development cycle, not just at the start or before launch.

This approach helps teams catch problems early and adapt quickly. It also builds a culture where user needs stay front and center.

For example, some companies use in-app feedback tools or quick pulse surveys to gather user opinions in real time. Others embed researchers directly with development teams to observe and test features as they evolve.

I’ve seen continuous research improve product quality by catching small issues before they become big problems. It also keeps teams aligned with user goals, reducing wasted effort.

Ethical and Inclusive Research Practices

As UX research grows, so does the responsibility to conduct it ethically and inclusively. Over the next five years, methods that prioritize diversity and respect for participants will become standard.

This means recruiting users from varied backgrounds, avoiding bias in questions, and ensuring privacy and consent are clear. It also involves designing studies that accommodate different abilities and languages.

In my work, I’ve learned that inclusive research uncovers needs that might otherwise be overlooked. For example, testing with users who have disabilities often leads to improvements that benefit everyone.

Ethical research builds trust with users and creates products that serve a wider audience. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s smart design.

Using AI to Enhance Research

Artificial intelligence is starting to assist UX researchers by automating data analysis and pattern recognition. AI tools can quickly process large amounts of qualitative data, like interview transcripts or open-ended survey responses, to identify themes.

While AI won’t replace human insight, it can speed up the research process and highlight areas worth deeper exploration.

I’ve experimented with AI-powered tools that summarize user feedback and suggest key pain points. This helps me focus my time on interpreting results and planning next steps.

Final Thoughts

The UX research methods that will matter most in the next five years focus on flexibility, context, and ethics. Remote and asynchronous research expands reach. Combining behavioral data with qualitative insights deepens understanding. Immersive technologies bring real-world context. Continuous research keeps teams user-focused. Inclusive practices ensure fairness. AI supports faster analysis.