Bridging the Gap – 2025
In 2024, we published our first report on the gap between UX research and design. Drawing on input from over 100 UX professionals worldwide, the goal was simple: to understand whether research findings truly make their way into final design outputs, and if not, why.
This year, we set out to refresh those findings. Has the gap narrowed? Does it still exist? And most importantly, what can we do, together, to bridge it?
The Research
To explore these questions, we used a mix of methods:
- Desk research into existing thinking on the gap
- A global survey of the UX community
- In-depth interviews with practitioners
- Collaborative workshops at conferences
Together, these gave us a broad and nuanced view of the current state of UX research and design.
Desk Research
We started with books, articles, podcasts, and videos discussing the research to design process. This helped us spot recurring issues and surface potential solutions, which we then explored through our own primary research.
Surveying the UX Community
Just like last year, we ran a global survey. This was open to researchers, designers, and anyone else involved in shaping user experiences.
Over 100 UXers from around the world shared their perspectives: what’s working well, where friction still exists, and what practical steps could help close the gap.
Designers weren't approaching my research as discovery… they were approaching my work as validation of their designs.
Interviews with UXers
We then followed up with one-on-one interviews. These deeper conversations, held over video calls, uncovered rich stories about what has (and hasn’t) worked in aligning research with design practice.
Workshopping Ideas
Since the 2024 report, we’ve also been running hands-on workshops at leading UX conferences around the world. Hundreds of researchers, designers, developers, and product managers have joined us to brainstorm and test practical ways to turn insights into impactful design decisions.
These collaborative sessions have been invaluable for surfacing both challenges and opportunities across different contexts.
The 2025 Report
All of this work has been distilled into the 2025 edition of the Bridging the Gap report. Inside, you’ll find:
- A snapshot of where the research–design gap stands today
- Fresh insights from the global UX community
- Practical tips to strengthen collaboration and alignment
Download the full report here.
Share Your Perspective
I’d love to hear your take:
- Do the findings resonate with your own experiences?
- What’s worked for you in bringing research and design closer together?
- How can we improve our planning, collaboration, and communication as a community?
Your insights could shape the 2026 edition of the report, so feel free to drop me a message with your thoughts.
Let’s keep bridging the gap.