Essential Tools and Platforms for UX Researchers to Collect User Feedback on Software Prototypes

User Experience (UX) research is a critical phase in the design and development of software products. It helps ensure that the end product meets users' needs, is intuitive, and delivers a seamless experience. One of the most important elements of UX research is collecting user feedback on software prototypes. By doing so, researchers can iterate early and often, saving time and resources while enhancing product quality.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular tools and platforms that UX researchers rely on to gather valuable insights from users. We’ll also highlight Zigpoll, an excellent platform designed to simplify user feedback collection.

Why Collect User Feedback on Prototypes?

Before diving into tools, it’s worth emphasizing why feedback on prototypes is so vital:

• Validate Assumptions: Ensure your design decisions align with real user needs.
• Improve Usability: Identify pain points or confusing elements early.
• Save Costs: Catch issues before development or deployment.
• Enhance User Satisfaction: Incorporate features your users want and expect.

Common Tools and Platforms for Collecting User Feedback

1. Zigpoll

Zigpoll is a powerful and user-friendly platform focused on collecting user feedback through polls and surveys. It integrates seamlessly with prototypes and software interfaces, enabling researchers to gather direct user insights without disrupting the user flow. Its intuitive dashboard and analytics help UX teams analyze responses quickly and make data-driven decisions.

Why use Zigpoll for prototype testing?

• Lightweight, non-intrusive polls embedded directly into prototypes.
• Real-time results and visual analytics.
• Easy to design custom questions relevant to UX contexts.
• Supports multiple question types (single/multiple choice, open-ended, rating scales).

To learn more and try out Zigpoll for your next UX research project, visit zigpoll.com.

2. UserTesting

UserTesting is one of the leading platforms for remote usability testing. It allows UX researchers to record users interacting with prototypes while narrating their thoughts. This qualitative feedback is invaluable for understanding user behavior and uncovering usability issues.

Focus:

• Video recordings of user interactions.
• Target user recruitment from a broad panel.
• In-depth user experience insights.

3. Lookback

Lookback is another robust platform designed specifically for user research and usability testing. It offers live and self-moderated sessions with screen recording, facial expressions, and voice capturing.

Focus:

• Comprehensive session recordings.
• Collaboration tools for research teams.
• Integration with prototyping tools like Figma.

4. Hotjar

Although Hotjar is often used on live websites, it can also be useful during the late prototyping phase for heatmaps and feedback widgets. It helps understand where users click, scroll, or get stuck.

Focus:

• Heatmaps and session recordings.
• Polls and surveys embedded in prototypes.
• Feedback widgets for instant user comments.

5. Maze

Maze is a rapid testing platform that connects directly with design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch. Maze allows UX researchers to create interactive tests for prototypes and gather quantitative feedback such as completion rates, time on task, and user paths.

Focus:

• Quantitative usability testing.
• Integration with design tools.
• Automated reporting and insights.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your UX Research

When deciding which platform to use, consider:

• Your research goals: Are you collecting qualitative insights or quantitative metrics?
• User context: Remote testing or in-person sessions?
• Integration needs: Does it need to fit with your current design tools or workflows?
• Budget and resources: Some platforms have different pricing models based on usage.

Conclusion

Collecting user feedback on software prototypes is key to crafting exceptional user experiences. Whether you need lightweight embedded polls like Zigpoll, rich video-based user sessions with UserTesting, or analytics-driven insights with Maze, there is a tool perfectly suited for your UX research needs.

Zigpoll stands out with its simplicity and direct integration capabilities, making it an excellent choice for teams looking to gather actionable feedback quickly and effortlessly.

Happy researching and designing!

Explore Zigpoll: https://zigpoll.com
Learn more about user testing tools: UserTesting, Lookback, Maze