How to Start a UX Research Career in 2025 (Without a Traditional Design Background)

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Breaking into UX research can feel like a challenge, especially if you don’t come from a design or tech background. Yet, the field is growing fast and welcomes diverse skills and perspectives. If you want to build a career in UX research in 2025, you don’t need a traditional design degree. Instead, focus on developing the right mindset, skills, and experience to understand users and improve products.

User interview session in progress

Understand What UX Research Really Is

UX research is about learning how people use products and what they need. It involves collecting data through interviews, surveys, usability tests, and observations. The goal is to help teams design better experiences based on real user feedback.

You don’t need to be a designer to do this work. Many successful UX researchers come from psychology, anthropology, sociology, marketing, or even writing backgrounds. What matters most is your ability to listen carefully, analyze behavior, and communicate findings clearly.

Build Foundational Knowledge

Start by learning the basics of UX research methods and principles. There are many free and paid resources available online:

• Books: “Just Enough Research” by Erika Hall and “Observing the User Experience” by Mike Kuniavsky offer practical introductions.

• Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning provide beginner-friendly courses on UX research.

• Blogs and podcasts: Follow UX research blogs and listen to podcasts to stay updated on trends and real-world examples.

  
  

Focus on understanding qualitative and quantitative research methods, usability testing, user interviews, and data analysis. This foundation will help you speak the language of UX teams and prepare for hands-on work.

Gain Practical UX Research Career Experience Without a Design Degree

Experience matters more than credentials. Here are ways to build your portfolio and skills:

• Volunteer for projects: Nonprofits, startups, or local businesses often need help understanding their users. Offer to conduct user interviews or usability tests.

• Conduct your own research: Pick a product or website you use and analyze its user experience. Write a report or case study showing your process and insights.

• Join UX communities: Participate in forums like UX Stack Exchange, Reddit’s r/UXResearch, or local meetups. Networking can lead to mentorship and job opportunities.

• Internships and apprenticeships: Some companies offer entry-level roles or apprenticeships that don’t require a design background but provide on-the-job training.

  
  

Document your work carefully. A clear portfolio with case studies that explain your research questions, methods, findings, and impact will impress hiring managers.

Develop Related Skills That Complement UX Research

Certain skills can boost your value as a UX researcher, especially if you come from a different field:

• Data analysis: Learn to work with spreadsheets, basic statistics, and tools like Excel or Google Sheets. Understanding data helps you interpret quantitative results.

• Communication: Practice writing clear reports and presenting findings to different audiences. UX research is useless if insights don’t reach decision-makers.

• Empathy and observation: These soft skills are essential. Being able to understand user emotions and behaviors will set you apart.

• Basic design knowledge: While not mandatory, knowing how design works helps you collaborate better with designers and developers. Free resources like Figma tutorials can help.

  
  

Prepare for the Job Market

When you feel ready to apply for UX research roles, tailor your approach:

• Customize your resume: Highlight transferable skills from your background, such as research, analysis, or communication.

• Showcase your portfolio: Include case studies that demonstrate your research process and impact.

• Practice interviews: Prepare to explain your approach to research and how you handle challenges. Be ready to discuss your learning journey and passion for UX.

• Look beyond traditional job titles: Roles like user researcher, research assistant, or even product analyst can be entry points.

  
  

Keep Learning and Growing

UX research is a field that evolves quickly. Stay curious and keep improving by:

• Attending workshops and conferences

• Reading new research papers and case studies

• Experimenting with new tools and methods

• Seeking feedback from peers and mentors

  
  

Your diverse background can be a strength. It brings fresh perspectives that improve how products serve users.