Tagging Taxonomies for UX Research: A Practical Guide

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

User experience (UX) research generates vast amounts of qualitative and quantitative data. Organizing this data effectively is essential to uncover meaningful insights that improve product design and user satisfaction. One powerful method to manage and analyze UX data is through tagging taxonomies. This guide explains how to build and use tagging taxonomies in UX research, offering practical advice and examples to help you get started.

Researcher organizing UX data with tagging taxonomy

What Is a Tagging Taxonomy in UX Research?

A tagging taxonomy is a structured system of labels or tags used to categorize and organize UX research data. Tags can describe user behaviors, emotions, pain points, features, or any relevant aspect of the user experience. The taxonomy provides a consistent vocabulary that helps researchers quickly find patterns and compare findings across studies.

For example, a tagging taxonomy might include categories like:

• User goals (e.g., "find product," "compare options")

• Emotions (e.g., "frustration," "delight")

• Interaction types (e.g., "click," "scroll")

• Device types (e.g., "mobile," "desktop")

  
  

Using a taxonomy ensures that everyone on the team uses the same terms, which improves communication and analysis.

Why Use Tagging Taxonomies in UX Research?

Without a clear tagging system, UX data can become overwhelming and difficult to analyze. Here are key benefits of using tagging taxonomies:

• Improved organization: Tags help sort large datasets into manageable groups.

• Faster analysis: Researchers can filter and search data by tags to identify trends.

• Consistent language: Teams avoid confusion by using agreed-upon terms.

• Better reporting: Clear categories make it easier to share findings with stakeholders.

• Scalability: Taxonomies grow with your research, supporting ongoing projects.

  
  

How to Build a Tagging Taxonomy

Creating an effective tagging taxonomy requires planning and iteration. Follow these steps to build one that fits your UX research needs:

1. Define Your Research Goals

Start by clarifying what you want to learn from your UX research. Are you focusing on usability issues, emotional responses, or feature preferences? Your goals will shape the categories and tags you need.

2. Gather Initial Data Samples

Collect a small set of research data, such as interview transcripts, usability test notes, or survey responses. Review this data to identify common themes and concepts.

3. Create Broad Categories

Group related themes into broad categories. For example, if you notice users mention difficulty navigating menus and confusion about labels, you might create a category called "Navigation Issues."

4. Develop Specific Tags

Within each category, create specific tags that capture detailed insights. Under "Navigation Issues," tags could include "unclear labels," "missing menu items," or "slow response."

5. Keep Tags Clear and Consistent

Use simple, descriptive words for tags. Avoid jargon or ambiguous terms. Consistency is key to making the taxonomy usable across different projects and team members.

6. Test and Refine

Apply your taxonomy to new data and adjust tags as needed. Remove redundant tags and add new ones when new themes emerge.

Practical Tips for Using Tagging Taxonomies

• Use tagging tools or software that support hierarchical tags and easy searching.

• Train your team on the taxonomy to ensure consistent tagging.

• Limit the number of tags per data point to avoid clutter.

• Review and update the taxonomy regularly to keep it relevant.

• Combine tags with notes or memos for richer context.

  
  

Example of a Tagging Taxonomy in Action

Imagine a UX team studying an e-commerce app. Their taxonomy might look like this:

• User Actions

- Search

- Add to cart

- Checkout

• Pain Points

- Slow loading

- Confusing navigation

- Payment errors

• Emotions

- Frustration

- Satisfaction

- Confusion

• Devices

- iOS

- Android

- Desktop

When analyzing usability test videos, the team tags moments where users express frustration during checkout as "Pain Points > Payment errors" and "Emotions > Frustration." This tagging helps the team quickly find all instances of payment issues and prioritize fixes.

UX research dashboard with tagging taxonomy applied to user feedback

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Over-tagging: Applying too many tags can make data hard to analyze. Focus on the most relevant tags per data point.

• Inconsistent tagging: Different team members may interpret tags differently. Provide clear definitions and examples.

• Taxonomy bloat: Avoid creating too many categories or tags. Keep the system lean and focused.

• Changing research focus: Update the taxonomy as your research questions evolve.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Tagging taxonomies transform UX research data from a chaotic collection into a structured resource. They help teams spot patterns, communicate findings clearly, and make data-driven decisions. Start small, build your taxonomy around your research goals, and refine it over time. With a well-designed tagging system, your UX research will become more organized, insightful, and actionable.