What is the primary focus of UX research?

The primary focus of UX research is to gather user insights to inform design decisions. This process enables designers to understand the needs, behaviors, and motivations of potential users through various research methods such as interviews, surveys, usability tests, and observations. By centering the research on user feedback and experiences, designers can create products that genuinely meet user needs and expectations, ultimately leading to better user satisfaction and product success.

Understanding user insights is crucial, as this data helps in making informed decisions that can enhance the usability and accessibility of the design. The ultimate goal is to create a product that not only functions well but also resonates with users on an emotional and practical level.

In contrast, while understanding competition, creating prototypes, and developing marketing strategies are all important parts of the product development process, they do not directly encompass the core objectives of UX research. Competition analysis may inform decisions but does not focus on user experience comprehensively. Prototypes are tools for testing and refining based on user feedback rather than methods of directly gathering that feedback. Marketing strategies serve to promote the product rather than to understand and optimize the user experience itself.