At Espyus, we do a lot of things: design, develop, integrate, consult. But underneath all of it is a shared goal; to build digital experiences that are meaningful to real people.
We’re not the biggest shop on the block, and that’s by design. We don’t follow a formula. We work closely with each client, tailoring solutions that connect to business goals and user needs – because we believe a smart, user informed foundation is what sets brands up to grow.
And when it comes to that foundation? UX research is everything.
A Boutique Lens on User Research
Larger agencies may have the luxury of layers of specialized teams. At Espyus, we work leaner and closer. research isn’t a department you hand things off to; it’s something that’s baked into the way we think, strategize, and create.
Our designers don’t just “get handed” user data – they’re often in the trenches gathering it. Our engineers care about the why, not just the what and we invite our clients to be part of the process every step of the way.
User empathy isn’t a phase – it’s an integral part of how we build.
When Does UX Research Start?
We kick things off with a discovery phase, whether we’re building a commerce platform or redesigning a B2B lead generation site. That phase may include:
- Stakeholder interviews
- Competitive landscape reviews
- Assumption mapping workshops
- User persona development
- Accessibility and usability audits
- Systems analysis (because the tech matters too)
This helps us not just understand what we’re building, but why we’re building it, for whom, and what success looks like from every angle – business, brand, and end-user.
Our UX Research Process (Without the Buzzwords)
We’re allergic to bloated decks that go unread. Every insight we gather informs what we build – practically and immediately.
Some common tools and methods we use:
- One-on-one user interviews
- Lightweight surveys
- Usability testing on wireframes and prototypes
- Contextual walkthroughs with existing platforms
- Cross-functional workshops to validate assumptions
We often tailor our approach based on your team’s needs and project constraints. Don’t need a 30-page research report? Great. Want rapid validation on 3 homepage concepts? Even better. That flexibility is one of the advantages of working with a studio like ours.
From Discovery to Delivery (and Back Again)
Our work doesn’t stop once we launch a new website or ship a new feature. We stay engaged post-launch, tracking performance, supporting A/B testing, and prioritizing what comes next.
Digital platforms are not static – and neither is your user’s behavior. We aim to continue iterating as we learn more through data driven insights.
UX research keeps us adaptable. It informs roadmaps, helps us cut through noise, and ensures we’re building for actual humans, not hypotheticals.
Why It Matters
When done right, research is quiet but powerful. It makes your product more usable, your brand more relatable, and your goals more achievable.
At Espyus, we believe research is less about rigid process and more about asking the right questions, staying curious, and listening deeply. It’s how we stay pragmatic and how we help you build something people resonate with.
Because in the end, your users are the ones who decide whether what you’ve built is worth it.
Let’s make sure it is.
About the Author
Mark Pumper is the Founder and Director of Espyus. With extensive experience working alongside brands ranging from pre-launch startups to established enterprises, Mark’s mission is to harness the power of design and technology to help founders, disruptors, and visionaries stand out at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. A creative strategist, designer, and developer, Mark has spent over a decade delivering immersive digital experiences from interactive design to eCommerce solutions and integrated campaigns. In his free time, he loves to explore philosophical topics, study proverbs, try new restaurants in New York, and spontaneously FaceTime his friends.
About Espyus
Espyus helps brands achieve their next level of distinction through technology-driven creative solutions. We build modern eCommerce experiences, brand platforms, and digital strategies that enable founders, disruptors, and visionaries to thrive at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce.
Have a bold idea and need the right partner to bring it to life? Let’s connect. Reach out to schedule a collaborative strategy session: m@espyus.com.