When we talk about building digital products, it’s easy to think first about design or code. But long before any of that, there’s the question of whether people actually want what’s being made and how they’ll use it. That’s where user research companies in the UK step in. They spend their time talking to real users, running usability tests, and digging into behaviours so that teams don’t end up designing in the dark.
Across the UK, you’ll find agencies and consultancies that specialise in this work, often blending research with design and strategy. Some focus on quick, lightweight testing to keep product cycles moving, while others run deeper studies that look at accessibility, long-term behaviour, or market alignment. No matter the scale, their role is to bring clarity to messy assumptions and ground product decisions in what users actually need.
1. A-listware
We work as a software development and consulting company with roots in both the UK and abroad. Over time, our team has supported projects across industries, offering not just coding but the broader elements that make technology usable. That includes UX and UI design, testing, and even managed IT support. Being part of the wider group of user research companies in the UK, we often bridge the space between research and delivery, making sure solutions are built with end users in mind rather than in isolation.
In practice, that means we can step in to strengthen existing teams or build new ones from scratch. Some clients lean on us for dedicated developers, while others come to us for consulting or modernization of older systems. We also cover infrastructure, data analytics, and security, which ties back to how products are tested and improved. By combining these areas, we try to keep projects balanced – not only shipping software but making sure it works in the real world and is shaped by user needs.
Key Highlights:
- Connection to user research companies in the UK through UX and UI design work.
- Experience with enterprise, small businesses, and startups.
- Coverage from software design to long-term IT support.
- Ability to extend or integrate with client teams.
- UK presence with a contact point in St. Leonards-On-Sea.
Services:
- Software development and outsourcing.
- UX and UI design with user research focus.
- Testing and quality assurance.
- Data analytics and cloud solutions.
- IT consulting and managed services.
- Infrastructure, help desk, and cybersecurity.
Contact information:
- Website: a-listware.com
- E-mail: info@a-listware.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alistware
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/a-listware
- Address: St. Leonards-On-Sea, TN37 7TA, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)142 439 01 40
2. Illustrate Digital
Illustrate Digital is a UK-based agency that places user research at the center of its approach to digital projects. They combine both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand how people interact with websites, platforms, and applications. Through interviews, surveys, analytics reviews, usability testing, and mapping exercises, the team builds a clear picture of user needs and behaviors. This work supports decisions that aim to improve user experiences while keeping businesses aligned with audience expectations.
The company maintains offices in Cardiff, Bristol, and London, and their projects often span a mix of research and design. Illustrate Digital’s work with user research companies in the UK connects them to industries that require careful study of user behavior before rolling out digital services. Their process includes both data-driven analysis and direct conversations with real users, ensuring insights are practical and relevant. By grounding design and development in this research, the agency helps organisations adapt services to match the goals and expectations of their audiences.
Key Highlights:
- Offices in Cardiff, Bristol, and London.
- Focus on both quantitative and qualitative research.
- Experience across industries and public sector services.
- Certified in ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 standards.
- Involvement in UX audits, design, and development projects.
Services:
- User interviews and stakeholder interviews.
- Analytics reviews and user surveys.
- Usability testing and feedback sessions.
- User journey mapping and persona creation.
- UX audits and design prototyping.
- WordPress and CMS development support.
Contact information:
- Website: illustrate.digital
- E-mail: cardiff@illustrate.digital
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/illustrateuk
- Twitter: x.com/illustrateuk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/illustrate-digital
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/illustratedigital
- Address: Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Rd, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 0HA
- Phone: +44 (0)2921 961661
3. Beehive Research
Beehive Research is based in the UK and works within the field of customer insight and user research. Their focus is on helping organisations understand customer behaviour and expectations through structured research programmes. By applying a range of research methods, Beehive Research provides findings that support decision-making in areas such as product development, service evaluation, and customer experience. The company engages with both UK and international projects, highlighting its role among user research companies in the UK that support businesses operating across different markets.
The approach taken by Beehive Research often blends data analysis with direct customer engagement. They use customer panels, interviews, surveys, and community research to capture ongoing feedback. These insights are then organised into clear recommendations that aim to improve communication, loyalty, and service delivery. By working with clients across sectors, Beehive Research shows how user research can be applied flexibly, adapting to varied business goals and customer needs.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based agency with global research experience.
- Expertise across customer experience, brand, and product research.
- Use of multilingual and multi-market research programmes.
- Strong focus on customer panels and research communities.
- Office located in Riverhead, Kent.
Services:
- Customer experience measurement and improvement.
- Product development research, including concept testing and segmentation.
- Brand and marketing effectiveness studies.
- Customer panels and community-based research.
- Data analysis and recommendation reporting.
Contact information:
- Website: beehiveresearch.co.uk
- E-mail: info@beehiveresearch.co.uk
- Twitter: x.com/BeehiveResearch
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/beehive-research-limited
- Address: 22 London Road, Riverhead, TN13 2BT
- Phone: +44 (0) 203 989 8900
4. UserLab
UserLab is a UK-based company that focuses on usability testing and customer research. Their work covers both new product designs and existing services, giving organisations practical insights into how people interact with digital platforms. By using methods such as accessibility testing, preference testing, and remote usability benchmarking, UserLab helps teams identify where improvements can be made. The company has positioned itself among user research companies in the UK that provide structured feedback rooted in real user behaviour.
In addition to usability testing, UserLab runs discovery research to build a clearer picture of customer needs. This includes in-depth interviews, customer journey mapping, ethnographic field studies, and diary studies. The combination of testing and discovery helps companies design services that align with actual user expectations. With offices in Newcastle upon Tyne, UserLab connects directly with both public and private sector clients across the UK, reflecting how user research can be applied in different industries and contexts.
Key Highlights:
- Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Strong focus on usability testing and discovery research.
- Works with both public and private sector clients.
- Covers both remote and in-person testing methods.
- Provides structured feedback rooted in user behaviour.
Services:
- Usability testing, including lab and field testing.
- Accessibility testing for digital services.
- Concept and preference testing.
- Usability benchmarking studies.
- Discovery research with interviews and journey mapping.
- Ethnographic field studies and diary studies.
Contact information:
- Website: www.userlab.co.uk
- E-mail: hello@userlab.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/userlab-ux
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/userlabux
- Address: i6 – Rooms 10-11, 6 Charlotte Square, Newcastle, NE1 4XF
- Phone: +44 (191) 500 7744
5. Vision One
Vision One is a UK research agency that works with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Their projects cover customer research, brand tracking, product testing, and market entry studies. Vision One connects with organisations across sectors, running research that helps them understand customer behaviour, test new products, and review brand communication. With offices in London and other UK locations, they operate within the broader network of user research companies in the UK that support businesses looking for evidence-based insight.
The company also applies advanced research methods such as eye-tracking, facial emotion analysis, and implicit reaction time testing. Alongside these, they carry out traditional methods including focus groups, interviews, surveys, and segmentation analysis. Vision One adapts its research to both consumer and B2B markets, reflecting the varied needs of industries such as retail, travel, and technology. Their work shows how structured research can guide decisions in product development, marketing, and customer strategy.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based research company with offices in London and other regions.
- Combines qualitative, quantitative, and behavioural research.
- Experience with both consumer and B2B research.
- Uses advanced methods such as eye-tracking and emotion analysis.
- Works across multiple industries including retail, travel, and technology.
Services:
- Focus groups, interviews, and ethnography.
- Online, telephone, and face-to-face surveys.
- Brand tracking and advertising research.
- Product development and pricing research.
- Customer segmentation and profiling.
- Advanced behavioural research including neuromarketing and eye-tracking.
Contact information:
- Website: visionone.co.uk
- E-mail: mail@visionone.co.uk
- Twitter: x.com/visionone
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vision-one-research
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/visionone_research
- Address: 85-87 Bayham Street, London, NW1 0AG
- Phone: +44 (0)203 693 3150
6. 2insights Research
2insights Research is a market research and consulting company with a base in the UK and projects that extend internationally. They operate as part of the broader group of user research companies in the UK, providing both qualitative and quantitative research across industries. Their work covers global data collection, analysis, and reporting, with teams that support projects from initial planning to final delivery. By combining traditional research approaches with digital tools such as chatbots and automated data collection, they adapt to different client requirements and contexts.
The company works with sectors ranging from healthcare and consumer markets to B2B and media research. Methods include interviews, focus groups, usability testing, ethnographic research, and sensory studies. 2insights Research also applies advanced techniques like eye-tracking and facial coding to capture user reactions. They follow international research standards under ICC/ESOMAR, showing their alignment with established guidelines. Through this mix of methods, 2insights Research provides a flexible research service for organisations in the UK and abroad.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based research company with global reach.
- Uses both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Provides data collection in multiple countries and markets.
- Applies advanced tools such as eye-tracking and facial coding.
- Member of ICC/ESOMAR following international standards.
Services:
- Qualitative research including focus groups and ethnography.
- Quantitative research using surveys and structured interviews.
- Usability testing and concept testing.
- Analytics and reporting support.
- Survey programming and recruitment services.
- Brand, advertising, and customer satisfaction research.
Contact information:
- Website: 2insights.com
- E-mail: info@2insights.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/2insights-Research-Ltd
- Twitter: x.com/2insights
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/2insights
7. Savanta
Savanta is a research and advisory company working with clients in the UK and internationally. They position themselves within the group of user research companies in the UK by focusing on data collection, audience panels, and consulting services. Their work covers both consumer and B2B markets, along with public sector projects. By combining research with technology-driven tools, Savanta supports organisations in understanding customers, shaping products, and tracking brand performance.
The company applies a wide range of research methods, from traditional qualitative and quantitative studies to behavioural and analytics-based approaches. Savanta develops research products such as BrandVue and MarketVue, which track brand health and customer perception in specific industries. Their consulting also extends to areas like communication effectiveness, customer experience, and policy evaluation. This variety of services allows Savanta to adapt research to different industries while staying grounded in UK and European markets.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based research and advisory company with international reach.
- Combines traditional and technology-driven research methods.
- Develops research tools like BrandVue and MarketVue.
- Works across consumer, B2B, and public sector projects.
- Registered in Scotland with offices across Europe.
Services:
- Brand health, development, and tracking.
- Communication testing and campaign evaluation.
- Customer experience and journey mapping.
- Market sizing, segmentation, and forecasting.
- Product and service development research.
- Public policy research and stakeholder engagement.
- Opinion polling and fast survey services.
Contact information:
- Website: savanta.com
- Twitter: x.com/Savanta_UK
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/savanta
- Address: The Bradfield Centre, 184 Cambridge Science Park Rd, Milton, Cambridge, CB40GA, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7632 3434
8. Experience UX
Experience UX is a UK company that focuses on user research and usability testing. Their team works with organisations to understand how people interact with digital products and services. By observing real behaviour and tailoring research to ongoing development cycles, they aim to reveal how users approach websites and apps in practical situations. As part of user research companies in the UK, Experience UX connects directly with clients in sectors ranging from retail to education, showing how research can inform both design and decision-making.
The company’s approach looks at complete user journeys across different platforms, not just single interactions. They also study competitor sites alongside client platforms to give context to the findings. Methods include tailored tests, diary studies, workshops, and moderated or unmoderated sessions. This mix helps uncover what users need and where friction exists. With offices in Bournemouth, Experience UX adds another example of how UK research firms bring structure and clarity to user-focused projects.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based research company located in Bournemouth.
- Focuses on usability testing and full user journey research.
- Incorporates competitor evaluation alongside client studies.
- Tests across desktop, mobile, and tablet platforms.
- Works with a range of industries and organisations.
Services:
- User research tailored to ongoing development cycles.
- Usability testing, both moderated and unmoderated.
- Diary studies and ethnographic-style observation.
- Competitor evaluation for comparative insights.
- Workshops and training for in-house teams.
- Multi-platform user experience testing.
Contact information:
- Website: www.experienceux.co.uk
- E-mail: hello@experienceux.co.uk
- Twitter: x.com/experience_ux
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/experience_ux
- Phone:01202 293652
9. The UX Agency
The UX Agency is a London-based consultancy working in research, design, and strategy. Their team combines backgrounds in psychology, design, and technology to study user behaviour and apply findings directly to product and service development. With a focus on user-centred design, they collaborate closely with organisations to explore customer needs and build solutions that align with business goals. Positioned among user research companies in the UK, The UX Agency shows how structured research and design can drive innovation across industries.
Their work covers product and service innovation, user research, design optimisation, and accessibility. Projects often blend qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover user motivations and behaviours, while also applying inclusive design principles. The UX Agency’s consultants run workshops, audits, and iterative testing, aiming to integrate research into agile development processes. By doing so, they provide a way for organisations to adapt quickly while keeping user experience central.
Key Highlights:
- Based in London with a focus on research, design, and strategy.
- Founded in 2008 with a senior team of researchers and consultants.
- Uses both qualitative and quantitative user research methods.
- Strong focus on accessibility and inclusive design.
- Works across sectors including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Services:
- Product and service innovation research.
- UX research and design integration.
- Accessibility audits and inclusive design support.
- Workshops and co-creation sessions.
- Qualitative and quantitative usability studies.
- Strategy development for digital services.
Contact information:
- Website: theuxagency.co.uk
- E-mail: enquiries@theuxagency.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-ux-agency-ltd
- Address: 12 Melcombe Place, London, NW1 6JJ
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7947 4940
10. Hallam
Hallam is a UK-based digital agency that includes user research as part of its wider service offering. Their work looks at how people interact with websites and digital products, using structured research to understand behaviour, expectations, and frustrations. As one of the user research companies in the UK, Hallam uses these insights to help organisations identify barriers that affect usability and to guide improvements. By placing user needs at the centre of their process, they create a foundation for more effective design decisions.
The company applies a mix of research techniques such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing. They also use tools like card sorting, A/B testing, heat mapping, and tree testing to measure interaction and navigation patterns. With offices in Nottingham, London, and other UK locations, Hallam connects with both national and international clients. Their position as a B Corp reflects a commitment to responsible practice, while their research work remains focused on building a clear picture of user behaviour in changing digital environments.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based agency with offices in Nottingham and London.
- Certified B Corp with focus on responsible business practice.
- Incorporates user research into digital design and development.
- Uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Experience across multiple industries and digital platforms.
Services:
- User interviews and user surveys.
- Usability testing and observational studies.
- Card sorting and tree testing for navigation analysis.
- A/B testing for design comparison.
- Heat mapping to track interaction.
- Ongoing user research for adapting to behaviour changes.
Contact information:
- Website: hallam.agency
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HallamAgency
- Twitter: x.com/HallamAgency
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hallam
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hallamagency
- Address: The Clock Tower, Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5GG, United Kingdom
- Phone: 0115 948 0123
11. Cyber-Duck
Cyber-Duck is a UK agency that places user research at the foundation of its digital design and product development work. Since 2005, they have been building projects that combine research, accessibility, and design to ensure services reflect real user needs. Their approach sits within the broader group of user research companies in the UK, with a focus on combining ethical research practices, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making. By studying motivations, pain points, and behaviours, Cyber-Duck helps organisations design services that adapt to the way people actually interact with digital platforms.
The company applies a wide mix of research methods, ranging from ethnographic studies and diary research to usability testing and surveys. They also run in-depth interviews, task analysis, and accessibility-focused research that includes participants with different needs and abilities. Their team takes steps to minimise bias and ensure research is ethical, transparent, and protective of participant privacy. By embedding these principles, Cyber-Duck builds user research processes that remain robust across different industries, from public services to finance and healthcare.
Key Highlights:
- Established UK agency with focus on user research and accessibility.
- Founded in 2005 and experienced in long-term digital projects.
- Combines qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility in research.
- Member of the Market Research Society and ISO accredited.
Services:
- Ethnographic research and diary studies.
- Usability testing including eye-tracking and task analysis.
- In-depth interviews and quantitative surveys.
- Accessibility research with diverse participant groups.
- Data analysis from digital platforms and customer feedback.
- User journey mapping and persona development.
Contact information:
- Website: www.cyber-duck.co.uk
- E-mail: experience@caci.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cyberducklondon
- Twitter: x.com/Cyberduck_uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-duck
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cyberduckuk
- Phone: +44 (0)207 602 6000
12. Box UK
Box UK is a digital consultancy with a strong focus on user research as part of its wider user experience and design services. Based in the UK, they work with organisations to understand how people interact with websites, applications, and online services. As part of user research companies in the UK, Box UK helps uncover what drives user behaviour, what causes frustration, and how journeys can be improved. Their work combines interviews, observational studies, and testing methods to form a rounded picture of user expectations.
The company uses a variety of research tools, ranging from usability testing and contextual inquiry to card sorting and tree testing for navigation. Surveys and questionnaires also form part of their approach, giving both qualitative and quantitative insights into user needs. By identifying barriers and tracking where users drop off, Box UK provides evidence to support design improvements and reduce development risk. Their work covers sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance, showing the practical role of research in shaping digital platforms.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based consultancy with focus on user research and UX design.
- Works with education, healthcare, and financial services.
- Uses both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
- Employs contextual and observational methods to study real-world behaviour.
- Supports organisations with research that informs design and strategy.
Services:
- User interviews and surveys.
- Usability testing for websites and applications.
- Contextual inquiry and observation in natural environments.
- Card sorting and tree testing for navigation analysis.
- A/B testing to compare digital solutions.
- Information architecture and UX audits.
Contact information:
- Website: www.boxuk.com
- E-mail: info@boxuk.com
- Twitter: x.com/boxuk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/box-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/boxuk
- Address: Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AG
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7439 1900
13. Bunnyfoot
Bunnyfoot is a UK-based agency that has been working in user research and experience design since the late 1990s. They place strong emphasis on human-centred design, combining research, testing, and design to create digital services that reflect user needs. As part of the wider network of user research companies in the UK, Bunnyfoot engages with organisations from different industries, adapting their approach to suit the scale and type of project. Their team runs research not only on current digital platforms but also on emerging technologies, showing how user experience can be applied beyond traditional screens.
The company uses a broad set of research and design techniques, including depth interviews, diary studies, usability testing, and customer journey mapping. They also provide strategy work, training, and even lab facilities for clients who want to run their own studies. With offices in London and Sheffield, Bunnyfoot connects with both national and international clients. Their work often extends into areas such as accessibility, service design, and evaluation of non-standard interfaces like smart devices or voice systems, giving them a wide reach within the field of user research.
Key Highlights:
- UK-based agency with offices in London and Sheffield.
- Experience in user research and design since 1999.
- Applies human-centred design principles across projects.
- Works with emerging technologies like AR, IoT, and voice systems.
- Provides research labs, participant recruitment, and training.
Services:
- User research methods including interviews, surveys, and diary studies.
- Usability testing for digital and non-digital interfaces.
- Customer journey mapping and service design workshops.
- Accessibility auditing and inclusive user testing.
- Strategy and UX maturity assessments.
- Research lab hire and participant recruitment.
- UX training and certification courses.
Contact information:
- Website: www.bunnyfoot.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bunnyfootsays
- Twitter: x.com/bunnyfootsays
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bunnyfootsays
- Address: 80-86 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8NH
- Phone: 020 7803 3400
14. DEPT
DEPT is a digital agency that works across research and design, connecting closely with the wider network of user research companies in the UK. Their approach is centred on understanding user behaviour and expectations, using research to inform decisions about product development and digital strategy. They explore how people interact with websites, apps, and online services, then apply those findings to shape user experience design. By focusing on both qualitative and quantitative methods, they collect evidence that helps organisations make choices based on real user insight rather than assumption.
In practice, DEPT applies tools like journey mapping, usability testing, and data analysis to uncover patterns in behaviour. This allows them to identify not only what people are doing but also why they are doing it. Their design teams then work with this knowledge to create experiences that are both functional and engaging. The work often includes collaborations with brands on projects that test new ways of reaching audiences, such as immersive microsites or interactive campaigns. Through this mix of research and creative design, DEPT positions itself as a partner for organisations that want to connect research findings directly to digital delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Part of the network of user research companies in the UK.
- Combines research insight with user experience design.
- Uses qualitative and quantitative methods for a balanced approach.
- Experience in projects ranging from usability testing to immersive digital campaigns.
- Focus on both customer-facing platforms and business-to-business solutions.
Services:
- User research through interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
- Customer journey mapping and data analysis.
- UX design and interface optimisation.
- Concept and prototype testing.
- Research-led strategy for product and service development.
Contact information:
- Website: www.deptagency.com
- E-mail: london@deptagency.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deptagency
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deptagency
- Address: Floor 10, Featherstone Building, 66 City Rd, London EC1Y 2AL, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0)7572 160 027
15. Hippo Digital
Hippo Digital is one of the user research companies in the UK that places research and analysis at the centre of its work. Their approach is based on understanding both user and stakeholder needs, helping organisations move beyond assumptions. They apply a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, using interviews, surveys, usability testing and other techniques to uncover real behaviours and expectations. The insights gained become the foundation for designing digital services that are evidence-based and user-focused.
The team at Hippo Digital also puts emphasis on analysis, applying tools like affinity sorting, personas and customer journey mapping to interpret findings in a way that makes sense for practical decision-making. Their work spans sectors such as healthcare, government and private industry, often focusing on complex service challenges where understanding user needs is critical. By combining this research mindset with design and engineering capability, Hippo Digital helps organisations build services that are grounded in the realities of user behaviour.
Key Highlights:
- Recognised among user research companies in the UK.
- Strong focus on combining research with analysis.
- Uses evidence-based design to support digital services.
- Works across healthcare, government, private and third sector.
- Team values collaborative, pragmatic and human-centred culture.
Services:
- Research and analysis using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Usability testing and A/B testing.
- Personas and customer journey mapping.
- Experience, content and service design.
- Digital strategy and transformation consulting.
- Agile software engineering and enterprise solution architecture.
- Data services and digital identity solutions.
Contact information:
- Website: hippodigital.co.uk
- E-mail: info@hippodigital.co.uk
- Twitter: x.com/hippodigital
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hippodigital
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hippodigitaluk
- Address: First Floor, Aireside House, 24 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT
16. Dusted
Dusted is a London-based agency that connects research with digital strategy and design. As part of the wider network of user research companies in the UK, they combine audience insight with creative execution, focusing on how people engage with digital products and brands. Their approach starts with detailed research into user behaviour, search performance and competitor activity, which then informs the development of websites, campaigns and digital experiences. By grounding creative work in research, Dusted aims to ensure that what is built reflects the needs and expectations of the people who use it.
Beyond digital design and development, Dusted has a dedicated focus on brand research. They carry out competitor audits, customer segmentation, ethnographic studies and stakeholder interviews to uncover how brands are perceived in the market. This research is used to guide positioning, strategy and communication, helping clients align their digital presence with real-world expectations. Their work is practical in nature, moving from early discovery to design, build and ongoing optimisation, always with user understanding at the centre.
Key Highlights:
- Based in London and part of user research companies in the UK.
- Combines digital strategy, design and user research.
- Uses competitor analysis and audience insights to guide branding.
- Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Approach covers discovery, design, development and optimisation.
Services:
- User research and competitor analysis.
- Brand audits and audience segmentation.
- Usability testing and customer journey mapping.
- Ethnographic research and site visits.
- Stakeholder interviews and workshops.
- UX and UI design for digital platforms.
- Web development and system integration.
- Digital marketing and analytics.
Contact information:
- Website: www.dusted.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dusted
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dusteddesign
- Address: 65 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 2AD
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7403 7776
17. Torpedo Digital
Torpedo Digital is a UK-based agency that brings together user research and design through its UX consultancy services. They focus on mapping out how people interact with digital platforms, from the very first touchpoint to final conversion. As part of user research companies in the UK, Torpedo Digital works with organisations that want to make sense of customer behaviour and improve digital experiences with structured, research-led processes. Their team blends user research with design and usability testing, making sure that digital products reflect both user needs and business goals.
Their approach is flexible, offering both complete journey reviews and targeted services depending on the project. Methods like UX audits, customer journey mapping, prototyping and strategic alignment help organisations understand where users encounter barriers and how to improve navigation or engagement. Torpedo Digital’s work is practical and collaborative, aiming to connect insight with design execution across projects in different industries.
Key Highlights:
- Based in Oxford and London, active among user research companies in the UK.
- Provides both full journey reviews and targeted UX services.
- Combines research, auditing and UI design in project delivery.
- Uses practical tools like prototyping and journey mapping.
- Works with clients across multiple sectors and platforms.
Services:
- User research and UX audits.
- Usability testing and customer journey mapping.
- UI design systems and interface design.
- Strategic alignment workshops.
- Prototyping and content priority planning.
- Web development and performance optimization.
Contact information:
- Website: torpedodigital.com
- E-mail: jobs@torpedogroup.com
- Twitter: x.com/torpedoagency
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/torpedo-group-limited
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/torpedoagency
- Address: Torpedo Group Limited, The Long Barn, Worton Park, Cassington, Oxon, OX29 4SX
- Phone: +44 (0)1865 733710
18. Akendi
Akendi is a consultancy working in the field of user research and experience design, with offices in London and Cambridge. As part of user research companies in the UK, they focus on uncovering user needs and behaviours to guide digital product development. Their approach often begins with discovery workshops, bringing together teams and stakeholders to share existing knowledge before moving into structured research. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods, Akendi creates a detailed view of users and their goals, helping clients align digital products more closely with real expectations.
The company emphasises the role of research as an ongoing reference throughout design and development. Insights are typically presented in visual formats that make findings accessible across teams, encouraging designers and developers to keep users at the centre of decisions. Akendi also offers complementary services in ideation, strategy, and testing, allowing organisations to move from early research into design, prototyping, and validation without losing the user perspective. Their work covers multiple sectors, showing how research-driven insights can shape both products and services.
Key Highlights:
- Based in London and Cambridge, active within user research companies in the UK.
- Uses discovery workshops to connect stakeholders with research insights.
- Applies both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Focuses on presenting findings in accessible, visual formats.
- Provides continuity from research into design and testing phases.
Services:
- User experience research.
- Ethnographic research.
- Customer and personal research.
- Focus groups and interviews.
- Usability testing.
- UX concept ideation and testing.
- UX and digital product design.
- Front-end UX development.
Contact information:
- Website: www.akendi.co.uk
- E-mail: contact@akendi.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AkendiUX
- Twitter: x.com/akendi
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/akendi
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/akendi_inc
- Address: The Tram Shed, 184 East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1BG
- Phone: +44 (0)1223 853907
Conclusion
Looking across user research companies in the UK, what stands out isn’t just the methods they use but the different ways they fit into projects. Some teams run quick usability tests to keep design cycles moving, while others dig deeper into behaviour and long-term adoption. Both approaches have their place, and which one you choose often comes down to the stage your product is at and the kind of clarity you need.
The bigger point is that user research here has become less of a “nice to have” and more of a routine step in product work. Whether it’s a small startup checking if people can navigate their app, or a large organisation rethinking internal systems, the same logic applies – talk to users first, and decisions get easier. UK firms in this space provide that grounding, and by working with them, teams avoid building on guesswork. It doesn’t solve every challenge, but it does keep you closer to reality, which is where products have to live in the end.
