UX Research Tools Every ResearchOps Team Should Know

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

User experience (UX) research plays a vital role in creating products that truly meet user needs. For ResearchOps teams, managing and executing research efficiently requires the right set of tools. These tools help streamline workflows, organize data, and deliver insights that drive better design decisions. This post highlights essential UX research tools that every ResearchOps team should know to improve their processes and outcomes.

UX research dashboard showing user data and charts

UX Research Tools for Planning and Recruiting Participants

Effective UX research starts with solid planning and recruiting the right participants. ResearchOps teams need tools that simplify scheduling, screening, and managing participants.

• Dovetail

Dovetail helps teams organize research notes, tag insights, and collaborate on findings. It also supports participant management by tracking recruitment status and consent forms.

• User Interviews

This platform streamlines participant recruitment by providing access to a large pool of potential users. It offers screening tools to ensure participants match research criteria and handles scheduling.

• Lookback

Lookback combines participant recruitment with live remote interviews and usability testing. It records sessions with video, audio, and screen sharing, making it easier to capture authentic user feedback.

Tools for Conducting Remote Research

Remote research has become standard practice, especially for distributed teams. These tools enable smooth remote sessions and rich data collection.

• Maze

Maze allows teams to run usability tests and surveys remotely. It integrates with design tools like Figma and Adobe XD, enabling quick prototype testing without coding.

• Optimal Workshop

This suite includes tools for card sorting, tree testing, and first-click testing. It helps teams understand how users navigate and organize information.

• UserZoom

UserZoom offers a comprehensive platform for remote usability testing, surveys, and analytics. It supports both moderated and unmoderated research sessions.

Tools for Analyzing and Synthesizing Data

Collecting data is only part of the process. ResearchOps teams need tools that help analyze and synthesize findings into actionable insights.

• Airtable

Airtable combines spreadsheet and database features, making it easy to organize research data, tag themes, and track progress. Its flexible views support different team workflows.

• NVivo

NVivo specializes in qualitative data analysis. It helps code interview transcripts, identify patterns, and visualize themes across large datasets.

• Notion

Notion serves as a collaborative workspace where teams can document research plans, findings, and reports. Its customizable templates support knowledge sharing and transparency.

Desk setup with devices displaying UX research data and collaboration platforms

Tools for Reporting and Sharing Insights

Communicating research findings clearly is crucial for influencing product decisions. These tools help create engaging reports and share insights across teams.

• Miro

Miro is a digital whiteboard that supports collaborative workshops and affinity mapping. Teams can visually organize insights and brainstorm solutions together.

• Google Data Studio

This tool helps create interactive dashboards and reports from research data. It supports real-time updates and easy sharing with stakeholders.

• Lookback (again)

Besides recruitment, Lookback’s recorded sessions can be clipped and shared to highlight key moments from user interviews, making findings more relatable.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Team

No single tool fits every ResearchOps team. The best approach is to evaluate tools based on your team’s size, research methods, and workflows. Consider these factors:

• Integration with existing tools

• Ease of use and learning curve

• Support for collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Data security and privacy compliance

  
  

Testing tools with small pilot projects can help identify what works best before full adoption.

Building a Strong ResearchOps Toolkit

A well-rounded toolkit supports every stage of UX research, from planning and recruiting to analysis and reporting. Combining tools that complement each other creates a smoother workflow and better outcomes. ResearchOps teams that invest time in selecting and mastering these tools will deliver more reliable insights and contribute to creating user-centered products.