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Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Director, Design Research

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

* Lead the design research strategy by defining key problems and driving qualitative and quantitative research initiatives to inform business decisions. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and ...

Think Company

Manager, Design Research

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As Manager, Design Research , you'll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of experienced researchers working across complex client engagements. This role blends leadership ...

Taste Labs

Design Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

You will help to decode the fuzzy problem of what "great" means in design and have this wisdom feed into interfaces, eval design, and crafting products with our engineering and research teams. You ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Springdale, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Centerton, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Greenland, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Tastelabs

Design Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

You will help to decode the fuzzy problem of what "great" means in design and have this wisdom feed into interfaces, eval design, and crafting products with our engineering and research teams. You ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Goshen, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Johnson, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bella Vista, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Farmington, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Elkins, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Rogers, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Pea Ridge, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Tontitown, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Gravette, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Cave Springs, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross ...

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Design Research information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is design research?

Design research is a field that focuses on understanding users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform and improve the design process. It combines methods from social sciences, such as interviews and observations, with design thinking principles to gather insights that help create user-centered products, services, or systems. Design researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both innovative and practical, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Researcher, you need a solid understanding of research methodologies, user experience principles, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Qualtrics, and data visualization software is commonly required. Strong communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills help researchers effectively interpret insights and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that research findings directly inform user-centered design solutions, leading to better products and experiences.

How does a design researcher typically collaborate with designers and product teams throughout a project?

Design Researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated at every stage of the development process. Early in a project, they help define user needs and pain points by conducting interviews, surveys, or usability tests. As the project progresses, they facilitate workshops, share findings through presentations or reports, and recommend design improvements based on research data. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as researchers often act as the bridge between users and the product team.

What is the difference between Design Research vs User Experience Designer?

AspectDesign ResearchUser Experience Designer
Primary FocusUnderstanding user needs and behaviors through research methodsDesigning and improving user interfaces and interactions
Required SkillsQualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, user interviewsWireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, collaborative teamsDesign studios, product teams, cross-functional collaboration
Common UsageGathering insights to inform design decisionsCreating user-centered designs based on research findings

While both roles focus on improving user experiences, Design Research primarily involves understanding user needs through research, whereas User Experience Designers apply those insights to create and refine digital interfaces. Both roles often collaborate closely within product teams to ensure user needs are effectively addressed.

How much do design researchers make?

Design researchers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while senior positions can exceed $130,000, especially in tech or large organizations. Skills in user research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Sketch or Figma can influence compensation.

What does a design researcher do?

A design researcher studies user behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform the development of products, services, or interfaces. They use methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, often working closely with designers and product teams to ensure user-centered solutions.
More about Design Research jobs

What cities are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities with the most Design Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs?

The most popular types of Design Research jobs are:

What states have the most Design Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Design Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs are:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Director, Design Research

Jobtailor

Bentonville, AR • On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

  • Lead the design research strategy by defining key problems and driving qualitative and quantitative research initiatives to inform business decisions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align research objectives with organizational goals and market needs.
  • Analyze and synthesize research findings, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Facilitate stakeholder engagement and consensus-building through clear, data-driven communication and tailored influence techniques.
  • Oversee usability testing and user discovery activities to enhance user experience and product design.
  • Promote continuous improvement by developing reports and recommending enhancements to research processes and methodologies.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in UI/UX design, graphic design, visual communication, product design, computer science, information technology, or related area and 6 years’ experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.
  • 8 years' experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.
  • 3 years' supervisory experience.
  • Evidence of full vaccination as defined by CDC guidelines OR secure approval of medical or religious accommodation for the vaccination mandate.
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading design research strategies, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, and synthesizing findings to inform business decisions. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Market Research
  • UX Design Research
  • Business Analysis
  • Usability Testing
  • Stakeholder Engagement
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Research Methodologies
  • User Experience Design
Soft Skills
  • Clear Communication
  • Influence Techniques
  • Consensus-Building
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
Industry Keywords
  • Design Research Strategy
  • User Discovery
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Legal Compliance
  • Ethical Standards
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