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Design Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stem Xpert

Application Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$65/hr

... Design, research and evaluation of emerging standards, strategic technology planning, consulting -Leads special Solutions Design technical projects. -Provides strategic planning and comprehensive ...

Corewell Health

Research Scientist

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

Research Scientist will design, collaborate, plan, perform data analysis and prepare reports. The Research Scientist - Laboratory will also perform laboratory procedures and carry through an ...

eShocan

Design Engineer 2

Southfield, MI · On-site

... research suppliers and perform competitive benchmarking/reverse engineering • Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking • Use market research to influence design decisions • Have a passion for ...

Spectrum Health

Research Scientist

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

Research Scientist will design, collaborate, plan, perform data analysis and prepare reports. The Research Scientist - Laboratory will also perform laboratory procedures and carry through an ...

Howmet

Operations Research Scientist

Whitehall, MI · On-site

Role Overview The Operations Research Scientist will design and implement optimization engines and digital twin models with integration of predictive machine learning (ML) components to enable ...

Facade Today

Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Research and Analysis * Conduct or assist with operational and design research, building and systems programming, site and building analysis, and report preparation. Stakeholder Engagement * Prepare ...

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Design Research information

See Michigan salary details

$32.2K

$92.4K

$124.2K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Michigan is $92,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $90,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Michigan?

For Design Research jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Research job openings:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,400 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Research Assistant - Department of Neurology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Essential Functions: 

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

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