User Research

“A complete and exhaustive guide for both new and experienced User Researchers. Stephanie Marsh manages to cover the breadth of researchers’ jobs, from selecting appropriate methods to effectively communicating the impact. The chapter about research ethics is particularly useful; it grapples with the unintended consequences of our decision-making which is particularly timely in the age of AI.” * Katie Alden-John, Research and Transformation Leader, Caution Your Blast Ltd *“I found this book to be an outstanding end-to-end guide to user research. It’s clear, insightful and comprehensive, with a timely perspective on the use of AI. It’s a must-read for beginners building their foundations and for experienced professionals looking to strengthen and refresh their practice.” * Susana Vilaça, UX Research Leader *“With this third edition, Stephanie Marsh has created the essential resource for the modern user researcher. Its brilliance lies in its flexibility, serving as both a comprehensive guide to master the discipline from end-to-end, and as an indispensable quick-reference for the experienced practitioner. I was particularly impressed by the new section on rapid analysis, which provides urgently needed guidance for a real-world pressure we all face. Marsh’s approach to the topic of AI is also refreshingly pragmatic; guidance is woven contextually into each method rather than isolated in a standalone chapter, which perfectly reflects how practitioners actually think and work. This is the definitive, practical guide for research as it’s done today.” * James Lubwama, User Research Leader, Version 1 *“As a research ops professional, I’ve noticed a growing number of people across different roles asking me and other researchers how to better connect with users and run effective research. It’s an exciting shift, but it also raises an important question: how do we empower people to confidently do research regardless of their background? I find that this third edition of User Research meets that need. It explains complex practices clearly and thoughtfully without oversimplifying. It’s a valuable resource for user researchers, research ops professionals and anyone looking to make research part of their product-building toolkit.” * Rita Duarte, Research Operations and UX Research Specialist *“Stephanie Marsh’s User Research (3rd edition) offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the practice of user research, combining breadth of methods with practical and ethical grounding. The new edition gives thoughtful attention to AI: Marsh includes a useful table mapping where AI can support the research process, cautions about its environmental and ethical impacts and stresses the need for expertise to evaluate results. Each method now also contains guidance on how AI might be applied in practice. Given how rapidly AI continues to reshape our world and our discipline, this balance of pragmatism and responsibility makes the book both a dependable foundation and a guide to navigating change.” * Anja Maerz, Senior User Research Manager, Gen *

Stephanie Marsh (she/they) is a leading expert in UX Research and UX Research Operations based in the UK. As the former Head of User Research and Analysis at the UK Government Digital Service and Head of Digital at the UK Ministry of Defence, they have played a pivotal role in advancing digital innovation within the public sector. Previously a Bunnyfoot consultant, one of the UK’s leading UX consultancies, Stephanie has applied their expertise to enhance user experiences across diverse industries. As a respected thought leader, she has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and shared insights through speaking engagements at conferences and industry events.