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Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(USA) Director, Design Research

Noel, MO · 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 ...

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 ...

Integration of design research and "Return On Experience"; Liaison with external agencies, Ford business partners, GDE partners; Center of excellence for human-centered design and design research;

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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 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:

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.

(USA) Director, Design Research

Walmart

Elm Springs, AR • On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 22,488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th 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 user experience through comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This role involves managing cross-functional partnerships, synthesizing data sources, and driving actionable insights that align with business objectives. The director fosters collaboration across teams and markets, ensuring research outcomes support innovation and customer-centric solutions. By overseeing usability testing, stakeholder engagement, and research strategy development, this position plays a critical role in shaping design practices that enhance product value and operational excellence within a dynamic, global environment.
About the team:
Join a distinguished research and experience strategy team dedicated to advancing retail through rigorous, research-driven design. This team uncovers valuable insights that enhance the daily experiences of millions of customers across various environments. As leaders in retail innovation, they develop and implement best-in-class research systems and operations to deliver exceptional 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 development and execution of comprehensive design research strategies to address key business and customer challenges.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align research objectives and drive actionable insights.
  • Oversee qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, ensuring adherence to best practices and ethical standards.
  • Synthesize research findings to inform design decisions and improve user experience and interface outcomes.
  • Facilitate stakeholder engagement and consensus-building through clear communication and data-driven narratives.
  • Guide usability testing and iteration processes to validate design solutions and optimize customer interactions.
  • Foster continuous improvement by evaluating research processes and integrating emerging methods.

What you'll bring:
  • Extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative design research methodologies, including usability testing and data analysis techniques.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder engagement effectively across varied business environments.
  • Strong expertise in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles to inform research strategies and outcomes.
  • Demonstrated skill in synthesizing research findings to influence product and technology decisions aligned with business objectives.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build consensus and present insights clearly to varied audiences.
  • Strategic mindset with a track record of driving continuous improvement and innovation in research processes.
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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