1

Design Research Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Analyze research findings and synthesize complex data into actionable insights * Collaborate with designers to translate research insights into design recommendations and improvements * Leverage ...

Analyze research findings and synthesize complex data into actionable insights * Collaborate with designers to translate research insights into design recommendations and improvements * Leverage ...

LRS Consulting Services is seeking a Research and Design Lead for a contract to hire opportunity with our client in Fort Worth, TX that will lead efforts on our various trains and help with design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Research information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$36.8K

$105.3K

$141.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Dallas, TX is $105,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $103,300.00 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 cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Design Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,317 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Experience Research & Design Team Lead

First Command Financial Services, Inc.

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$105K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


First Command Financial Services rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


How will this role impact First Command?
Our goal is to effectively communicate what makes First Command unique to the market we serve so that prospective clients will make First Command the first place they turn in order to plan for their financial security. The User Experience Researcher & Designer will be a key a member of the Experience Design and broader XTO team.
In this role, you will create understanding and empathy around user needs, stated and unstated, for First Command, including designers, product managers, developers, and management. You will do so by conducting primary research, exploring the behaviors and motivations of our users through methods like field visits, surveys, usability testing, user interviews, card sorting, ethnography, and data analysis. Additionally, you will build designs and convey them along with research to stakeholders. A key metric for success in this role will be the ability to influence stakeholders.
The financial services industry is highly competitive, but we believe that First Command provides a unique value proposition for our nation's military families and therefore must sharpen our insights so that how we approach and communicate with clients and prospects makes our value proposition relevant.
What will the employee do in this role?
  • Lead the end-to-end design of user-centered experiences across web, mobile, and emerging digital platforms.
  • Create user flows, journey maps, information architecture, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using Figma and other industry-standard design tools.
  • Partner closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Data Scientists, and cross-functional stakeholders to define requirements and deliver impactful design solutions.
  • Leverage AI-powered design, research, and prototyping tools to accelerate ideation, improve workflows, generate insights, and enhance product experiences.
  • Utilize generative AI capabilities to support user research synthesis, content creation, concept development, and design exploration while maintaining a strong human-centered design approach.
  • Conduct and apply user research, usability testing, behavioral analytics, and customer feedback to inform design decisions and validate solutions.
  • Present design concepts, strategy, and rationale to stakeholders and leadership, building alignment and driving informed product decisions.
  • Translate complex business requirements and technical constraints into intuitive, accessible, and scalable user experiences.
  • Contribute to and evolve design systems, component libraries, and interaction standards within Figma to ensure consistency and efficiency across products.
  • Advocate for accessibility, inclusive design, usability, and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Lead design reviews, workshops, and collaborative working sessions to drive alignment and innovation across teams.
  • Mentor junior designers and foster a culture of design excellence, continuous learning, and experimentation with emerging technologies, including AI.
  • Influence product vision, UX strategy, and roadmap planning to deliver meaningful customer and business outcomes.

What skills and qualifications does the employee need?
Education
  • A Degree in related studies (Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Data Science, Interaction Design, Cognitive Science, Psychology, etc.), or equivalent real-world experience

Work Experience
  • 5-8 years in UX related role doing research and design
  • 1-2 years leading UX researchers/designers

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Expertise in Figma, including advanced prototyping, design systems, component management, and developer handoff.
  • Experience using AI-powered design and research tools such as Microsoft Copilot, UserTesting AI, Figma Make or similar solutions to improve design effectiveness and team productivity.
  • Strong understanding of human-centered design, interaction design, visual design, accessibility, and design thinking methodologies.
  • Experience leading large-scale or complex product initiatives within cross-functional environments.
  • Excellent communication, storytelling, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (preferred)
  • Financial Services experience
  • Military experience

LI-NC1
LI-Hybrid

What First Command Financial Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


First Command Financial Services logo

About First Command Financial Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

First Command Financial Services, based in Fort Worth, TX, US, operates within the financial services industry. Established in 1958, this company's mission is to "coach those who serve in their pursuit of financial security." With its suite of services and products, including investment management and financial planning, the firm is dedicated to helping military families and federal employees achieve financial security. Over the years, First Command has made a name for itself through integrity, commitment, and an approach built upon trust, resulting in substantial client loyalty. Featured among its notable achievements is the company's consistent placement among the top 1% of all wealth management firms in the USA in terms of long-term investment results, confirming their commitment to providing exceptional financial services.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Worth, TX, US

Year founded

1958

Social media