About user researchers
Our user researchers plan, design and carry out research activities with users. Their work can help us get a deep understanding of the people that use government services.
This research helps to inform:
- policy
- proposition
- service
- content design
- interaction design
We want to ensure that our services work well for everyone all our users and achieve policy intent.
A short video by the government Digital Services (GDS) – Becoming a User Researcher
What a user researcher does
As a user researcher, you will:
- lead the research of digital projects
- have experience of using a range of different user research methods, and know how to apply them correctly
- analyse and synthesise research data into clear findings that inform decisions
- understand the social and technological context for public services
- help to deliver inclusive research and accessible services for everyone all users
- understand organisational strategy and objectives
- demonstrate knowledge of the technologies used to build and operate digital services
- ensure that other colleagues are involved in the user research process
- help colleagues to understand how digital technology is changing user behaviour
- understand the different technical roles in a multidisciplinary team
- be willing to work in an open, iterative and collaborative way
- understand user-centred design practices and know how to embed them into an agile workflow
Types of roles
User researchers often work within skilled multidisciplinary teams to deliver high quality services.
You will aim to make a positive impact on our customers and ensure that their needs are being met.
There are different levels of being a user researcher:
Graduate/Associate User Researcher (entry level)
At this level, you will work with more experienced user researchers to learn, develop skills and receive guidance on the job.
User Researcher (mid-level)
Mid-level user researchers are expected to work independently within multidisciplined teams. You are responsible for planning and carrying out user research activities.
Senior User Researcher (senior level)
You will be an experienced practitioner who is able to plan and lead user research activities.
You will be able to:
- build user-centred practices in new teams
- align user research activities with wider plans to inform a service proposition
- supervise and develop other user researchers to assure and improve research practice
Link to BCC User Researcher JD/PS