User Research Studies

Your Opinion Counts

Participate in usability research for the Microsoft Business Unit (MacBU), and tell us how you want us to improve our products. Share with us your perspective, ideas and comments and you’ll be helping shape the future of products from MacBU.

What is user research?

Microsoft user research focuses on how people interact with software. The information we gather is translated directly into product design improvements, so your feedback really makes a difference.

We conduct several types of studies on ongoing bases.

During a laboratory study, you’ll try out new software designs so we can see how well they work. We’ll also ask you for your opinion on how easy or difficult our software is to use.

In a focus group, you’ll share your thoughts and opinions about software products and computers.

For a field study, our product design and development teams will visit you in your own place of business or home to learn how to improve our software.

Our studies typically last between one to two hours and are scheduled at your convenience.

Where does the research take place?

We conduct studies in usability labs in Redmond, Washington and in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We also host focus groups and conduct field studies throughout the United States.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who is interested is eligible to sign up! We are looking for people with all levels of computer experience, from beginners to experts. If you don’t live in a city where we conduct studies in our usability labs, you might be eligible to participate in online research studies.

What will I receive if I participate?

As a token of our appreciation, you'll get to choose a Microsoft retail hardware or software item to take home from our Gratuity Store.

Please note that we will hold your personal information in the strictest confidence. We will not share it with others.