Ep 3 | The Essential Guide to UX Roles: Research, Design, Content, and Ops

Watch on YouTube:

Listen on Spotify:

Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered what all those UX job titles actually mean?

You're not alone! The UX field has a lot of specialized roles that can seem confusing at first glance.

But don't worry - I'm here to break it down for you in simple terms. Let's dive into the main UX job titles and how they work together to create great user experiences.

UX Research: Understanding Users Inside and Out

As a UX researcher myself, I'm a bit biased - but I think research is the foundation of great UX! Our job is to really understand users - who they are, what they need, and how they behave. We use two main types of research:

1. Generative research: This is all about exploration and discovery. We're trying to uncover user problems and pain points that haven't been addressed yet. We ask questions like "What are our users' biggest challenges?" and "What new opportunities are there to improve their experience?"

2. Evaluative research: This comes later in the process, once we have a concept or prototype to test. We're looking to answer questions like "Does this design actually solve the problem?" and "Is this workflow intuitive for users?"

Most projects use both types of research. We start with generative to understand the problem, then use evaluative to refine the solution.

The Real Impact of UX Research

I've been lucky enough to work with innovative teams around the world. Sometimes the products I research take years to build. But the research is so valuable - I've helped companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars by aligning their products with actual user needs and goals.

UX Design: Bringing Research to Life Visually

Once the research is done, UX designers step in to turn those insights into visual solutions. But it's not just about making things look pretty - designers think deeply about how things work.

In a typical project flow:

1. Researchers gather user insights

2. Designers create wireframes and prototypes based on those insights

3. We collaborate to refine the designs

Ideally, designers are involved in the research process from the start. This gives them full context on user needs as they design solutions.

UX Content Strategy: The Right Words at the Right Time

Content strategists are the unsung heroes of UX! Their job is to make sure users get the right information, in the right tone, at the right time.

In a perfect world, content strategists join from the very beginning of a project. This allows them to deeply understand users and craft content that truly resonates - whether it's microcopy, error messages, or onboarding flows.

Content Strategy in Action

Let's use a financial app as an example. Say a user needs to quickly transfer $1000 to their landlord. The content strategist would craft clear, empathetic language to guide the user through:

• Checking their available balance

• Initiating the transfer

• Understanding when the funds will be available

This is where the magic of UX happens - when research, design, and content come together seamlessly!

UX Operations: Conducting the UX Orchestra

UX Ops is like the conductor keeping all the moving pieces in sync. They handle tools, processes, documentation, and coordination across teams.

As UX teams grow, especially in larger organizations, UX Ops becomes essential. They make sure researchers can focus on research, designers on design, and content strategists on messaging.

Wearing Multiple UX Hats

Now, I know what some of you are thinking - "But Lena, on my team I have to do all of these things!" And you're absolutely right. On smaller teams, it's super common for one person to take on multiple UX roles.

While it's totally possible to juggle these responsibilities (many UXers are great generalists), it does get tricky as projects grow in scope and complexity. That's where having specialized roles can really help you scale and go deeper into each area.

The Blurry Lines of UX

One last thing to keep in mind - the lines between these roles aren't always crystal clear. Some researchers are fantastic designers (not me though - I don't have the patience for it!). Some designers excel at running usability studies.

There's a lot of value in having hybrid skills, especially on smaller teams where flexibility is key. But as your UX needs grow, allowing people to specialize often leads to more strategic, thoughtful work that really nails user needs.

Key Takeaways: Understanding UX Roles

• UX Research focuses on understanding users through generative and evaluative methods

• UX Design turns research insights into visual solutions

• UX Content Strategy ensures the right information is delivered at the right time

• UX Operations keeps all the moving pieces working smoothly together

• Smaller teams often require wearing multiple UX hats

• As projects grow, specialization allows for deeper, more refined work

I hope this breakdown of UX job titles has been helpful! Remember, great user experiences happen when all these roles work together in harmony. Whether you're on a small team juggling multiple responsibilities or part of a larger specialized group, understanding how these pieces fit together is key to creating amazing UX.