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Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

Lead DT&I's design research practice with a strong focus on ethnography, real-world observation, and human-centered discovery. * Plan, conduct, and guide ethnographic research to understand how users ...

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Design Research information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
(USA) Director, Design Research

(USA) Director, Design Research

Walmart

Cassville, MO • On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 22,024 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary... What you'll do...Role summary:
The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, synthesizes insights, and collaborates with cross-functional partners to inform user experience and product development. By fostering stakeholder engagement and guiding research strategy, the Director ensures alignment with organizational goals while promoting innovation and continuous improvement. This position requires expertise in managing complex projects, influencing teams, and delivering actionable findings that enhance design outcomes across markets and business units.
About the team:
Join a distinguished research and experience strategy team committed to advancing retail through rigorous, research-driven design. This team uncovers valuable insights that improve the daily experiences of millions of customers across various settings. As pioneers in retail innovation, they develop and implement best-in-class research systems and operations to deliver outstanding customer experiences. Collaborating across multiple functions, the team addresses complex challenges to redefine commerce and consumer services. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research initiatives that shape the future of retail while supporting Walmart’s mission to provide access and dignity for all customers.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the design research strategy to address key business and customer challenges through qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align research objectives and drive actionable insights.
  • Oversee the synthesis of data sources, ensuring research findings support product and technology decisions.
  • Facilitate user discovery activities including interviews, surveys, and usability testing to enhance user experience.
  • Establish best practices for research processes, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Influence strategic initiatives by communicating research outcomes clearly and effectively to stakeholders.

What you'll bring:
  • Extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative design research methodologies, including data analysis and usability testing.
  • Proven ability to develop and lead research strategies that address key business and customer challenges.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills with expertise in communication, consensus building, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Deep understanding of user experience principles, user discovery techniques, and journey mapping.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects and driving customer-focused solutions.
  • Ability to synthesize research insights and influence decision-making with clear, data-driven narratives.
  • Commitment to ethical research practices and adherence to organizational standards.
At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: 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.
Option 2: 8 years' experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.
3 years' supervisory experience.
As permitted by applicable law, provide evidence of full vaccination as defined by CDC guidelines OR secure approval of medical or religious accommodation for the vaccination mandate. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Driving product development in a design research area, Market Research, Business Analysis, UX Design Research, or related area, Master's degree in UI/UX Design, Interactive and Visual Design, Product Design, or related area, Related industry experience (for example, retail, supply chain, eCommerce, healthcare), Research or design certification (for example, IDEOU - Foundations in Design Thinking Certificate), We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture. Primary Location... 1601 SE 10th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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