How to run meaningful UX research in 4 weeks or less 🧠⏱️


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Hi Reader 👋🏾

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Let’s set the scene: You’ve got 4 weeks (or less) to plan, run, and share research that needs to actually move the needle. No pressure, right?

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This is where a lot of researchers get stressed out real quick. But here’s the truth: great research can happen on a tight timeline as long as you scope it right and move with intention.

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I’ve pulled together 5 key moves I rely on when time is short and research is needed. Whether you're on a small team or flying solo, these principles help you stay sharp, scrappy, and impactful.

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Here's how I approach it:

🔑 1. Get grounded in the decision

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Start with the why. What decision does the team need to make and what do they need to learn right now to move forward? Anchor your scope to that and resist the urge to boil the ocean.

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🎯 2. Prioritize ruthlessly

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You can’t answer every stakeholder question and you don’t have to.

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Focus on the riskiest assumptions. Ask yourself: If we’re wrong about this, what could go off the rails? That’s your research priority.

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đź§Ş 3. Choose methods that match your constraints

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Fast doesn’t have to mean messy.

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Lean into:
✔️ Unmoderated usability tests
✔️ Short, targeted surveys
✔️ Contextual inquiry (observe real behavior)
✔️ 3–5 focused interviews

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Pick what gets you the clearest signal in the time you have.

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🗣️ 4. Communicate early—and often

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Transparency is everything.

Set expectations from the start:
→ What’s in scope
→ What you won’t be able to cover
→ What tradeoffs you’re making
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This builds trust and keeps surprises off the table.

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đź’ˇ 5. Synthesis is your superpower

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Fast research still needs to land. Structure your insights, use frameworks, and tie everything back to the original decision. Make it make sense quickly and make it actionable.

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🚀 Bottom line: With a clear goal, the right methods, and strong communication, you can run high-impact research in just a few weeks or even days.

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Now, I’d love to hear from you: What’s your go-to move when time is tight and research is essential?
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Reply to this email and share.

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In it with you,

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Eniola Abioye

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​UXR Career Coach and Founder, UX Outloud

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📩 PS: Found this email valuable? Forward it to another UX Researcher—sharing is caring!

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Eniola Abioye, UXR Career Coach | UX Outloud

YOU'RE A PROFESSIONAL OR ACADEMIC RESEARCHER who has experience in people-focused work that you'd like to apply to a career in UX Research; however you don't know how to stand out and successfully pivot. You've come to the right place! My name is Eniola Abioye; I am a UXR Career Coach and I help customer-centered professionals position their current skills to transition into tech UXR roles. I founded UX Outloud to work directly with people who have experience doing user research but have never had the title on their resume. I guide researchers in building a strong narrative and employing an 8-step strategy in starting their UXR careers. My speciality is constructing tailored transition strategies taking into account the experience you have to leverage and the niche that are targeting for your next role. I take a hands-on approach to revamping your professional materials including: 📢 A resume that emphasizes your work and organizational impact 📢 A LinkedIn profile that demonstrates your value to UX hiring managers and recruiters 📢 A UXR portfolio that details your strategic research approach and case studies that showcase your experience I also work as a Lead UX Researcher and UXR Manager at Meta - and my background happens to be in biology and healthcare. Take it from me, someone who doesn't have the most "traditional" UXR background, you can apply people research skills from any and every industry and niche to UX. It all comes down to creating a strong narrative and making your skillset crystal clear. If you're ready to stop applying to UXR roles endlessly online and actually gain traction landing interviews and job offers, apply to work with me at bit.ly/uxrcareeraccelerator! Tell me about your background and what you're looking for in your next career move. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and figure out if we're a good fit on a free consultation call. 💚 Tap the "subscribe" button to hear tips and strategies for pivoting into UXR! On a personal tip, I was born, raised and educated in the Bay Area. I absolutely love traveling and adventures of any kind. Luckily UX Research has taken me all around the world and I'm documenting my journey as I go!

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