User research refers to the process of gathering insights about user behaviours, needs, and preferences to inform the design of user interfaces and experiences.

User research is vital in UI/UX as it helps designers understand user needs, make informed design decisions, and create interfaces that are intuitive, user-friendly, and aligned with user expectations.

Common user research methods for UI/UX include interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, and user observations, each offering unique ways to gather data and understand user perspectives.

User research should ideally be conducted early in the design process to gain insights that can shape the overall strategy and guide subsequent design decisions. However, it can also be conducted at later stages to validate and refine design solutions.

At the UX research stage, deliverables typically include research plans, user personas, user journey maps, usability test reports, and research findings presentations.

User research significantly impacts UI/UX design success by helping designers understand user needs, reduce assumptions and biases, identify usability issues, and create experiences that are tailored to the target audience, resulting in improved user satisfaction and engagement.

Yes, user research is an integral part of the UI/UX design process as it provides valuable insights into user behaviours and needs, guiding the creation of user-centred design solutions.