Articles tagged “user research”
17 articles about user research.
Dovetail vs Hotjar: Different Tools for Different Research Questions
Dovetail organizes qualitative research. Hotjar tracks quantitative user behavior. Dovetail is the better research tool, but they barely overlap.
Hotjar vs Maze: Different Tools, Different Questions
Hotjar shows how real users behave on your live site. Maze tests your prototypes before launch. Most teams need Hotjar more — here's why.
Lyssna vs Maze: Maze Is the More Complete Research Tool
Maze handles prototype testing and Figma integration better. Lyssna is the pick for quick preference tests and first-click studies, but Maze covers more ground.
Maze vs UserTesting: Which User Research Tool Should You Use?
Maze is built for designers and PMs running quick unmoderated tests. UserTesting is enterprise-grade. Here's how to pick the right one for your team size and budget.
Optimal Workshop vs Maze: Maze Covers More Ground
Optimal Workshop is the specialist for information architecture research. Maze is the better all-around research platform, but IA teams should stick with Optimal.
Best Tools for User Research in 2026
The best user research tools ranked — from live-site behavior analytics to prototype testing to moderated sessions. Exact pricing and when to use each.
Dovetail Review 2026: The Research Repository Your Team Actually Needs
Honest Dovetail review: the best tool for organizing and analyzing qualitative research at scale, with AI tagging and video transcription.
FullStory Review 2026: Enterprise Session Replay That Costs Like It
FullStory captures every user interaction automatically and uses AI to surface insights. Powerful, but the pricing is enterprise-only. Here's the honest breakdown.
Hotjar Review 2026: The Standard for Understanding What Users Actually Do
Hotjar offers heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback surveys to show how users behave on your live product. Free plan exists. Plus at $32/month. Here's the honest breakdown.
Lyssna Review 2026: Quick Tests, Quick Answers, Clear Limits
Honest Lyssna review: fast unmoderated user tests for design validation, with a simple interface and shallow depth.
Maze Review 2026: Prototype Testing That Gives You Real Numbers
Maze connects to Figma prototypes, defines tasks, and collects task completion rates, time-on-task, and click maps. Free plan (1 study/month). Starter at $99/month.
Optimal Workshop Review 2026: The Best Tool for Information Architecture Research
Honest Optimal Workshop review: the go-to platform for card sorting, tree testing, and IA research, with a dated UI and narrow focus.
UserTesting Review 2026: Enterprise-Grade User Research With a Price to Match
UserTesting is the leading platform for moderated and unmoderated remote user research. Custom pricing only. Best for enterprise teams that need access to a large, screened participant panel.
How to Create User Personas
Practical persona creation guide — what to include, how to get real data, and how to make personas your team actually references.
How to Do Usability Testing
A practical usability testing guide — moderated vs unmoderated, writing task scenarios, recruiting participants, and using Maze and Hotjar.
How to Map User Journeys
User journey mapping guide — the components, how to gather data, when to use journey maps vs service blueprints, and the right tools.
How to Set Up Hotjar
Step-by-step guide to setting up Hotjar for heatmaps, session recordings, feedback surveys, and funnels. Covers installation, privacy controls, and what to look for.