ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Milwaukee Tool

Senior Design Researcher

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Are you looking for a career with a growing company and the opportunity to help build the role of Design Research as a core competency for a business? Looking for a challenging and quick paced ...

Hp

Design Insights & Validation Research Lead

Vancouver, WA · On-site +1

$93K - $143K/yr

Global Experience Design - Research Insights & Validation. Position Level Intermediate - Experience Design Engineer 2 (00133L). Role Summary This role leads end-to-end design research, insights, and ...

Haworth

Design Studio Research Specialist

Holland, MI · On-site

Job Overview We're looking for a passionate Design Thinking Research Specialist to join a dynamic team driving end-to-end, human centered research that shapes innovative workplace and product ...

Conifer

Design Researcher Openings

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Conifer Research conducts design research projects both domestically and internationally for clients across a wide variety of industries. DESIGN RESEARCHER People are endlessly fascinating, don't you ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Research Jobs

Design Research information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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:
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 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.
Director of Design & Research Operations

Director of Design & Research Operations

Superhuman

San Francisco, CA

$285K - $427K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Superhuman is seeking a Director of Design & Research Operations in San Francisco, California. This role involves enhancing the operational foundation for design and research teams, enabling effective product decisions. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in design or research operations, demonstrating leadership and a capacity to build systems that scale. The position offers a competitive compensation range of $285K to $427K, along with extensive employee benefits including healthcare, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply