The Wikimedia Research team brings together researchers from multiple disciplines who work to understand, improve, and support Wikimedia projects and the people who use them.
We consist of two subteams: Applied Science and User Experience (UX) Research. Our work spans quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research, allowing us to study Wikimedia projects from multiple perspectives, from large-scale patterns across millions of edits to the deeply personal experiences of individual contributors and readers. While both teams are part of Wikimedia Research, UX Research maintains a dedicated site featuring its program, research reports, and resources.
Applied Science
Applied Science uses quantitative research, survey science, and machine learning to understand and improve Wikimedia projects, communities, and technologies at scale.
Through data analysis, experimentation, modeling, and survey research, Applied Science generates evidence that helps improve products, inform organizational and movement strategy, and deepen understanding of how Wikimedia projects function.
Beyond its own research, Applied Science helps sustain Wikimedia's research ecosystem by supporting external researchers through guidance, resources, grants, recognition, and collaborations. The team serves as a bridge between the Wikimedia movement and academic researchers, fostering partnerships that enable researchers to contribute to and strengthen the movement through their work.
UX Research
UX Research uses qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the experiences, needs, motivations, and challenges of the people who use and contribute to Wikimedia projects. Through interviews, observation, surveys, diary studies, concept testing, and other research methods, the team helps the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) better understand how people interact with its products, communities, and technologies.
UX Research generates insights that inform the design of products, programs, and strategies that serve the Wikimedia movement. By studying users in their real-world contexts, researchers identify needs, goals, pain points, and opportunities that help the WMF make informed, human-centered decisions. In doing so, the team elevates the voices and experiences of readers, contributors, developers, and other users, ensuring their perspectives are represented in product, program, and strategic decision-making. The team works throughout the product lifecycle, conducting generative research to understand problem spaces and evaluative research to assess and refine potential solutions. As part of Wikimedia Research, UX Research works closely with Design, Product teams, and other Wikimedia Foundation stakeholders to bring user perspectives into decision-making throughout the development process.
To learn more about UX Research's work, explore the dedicated UX Research site, which includes information about the team's program and research reports.