You don't need a dedicated researcher

The truth is that lightweight discovery methods are accessible to anyone willing to learn basic techniques and commit to regular practice. Product teams that conduct their own research develop better instincts for user needs. They catch problems earlier because they're closer to the feedback. They also become better consumers of research when they do work with specialists, understanding the challenges and nuances involved. The key is starting small with simple methods. You don't need to run complex studies or analyze massive datasets. Basic conversations with users provide valuable insights that improve your product decisions. Every interaction teaches you something new about your customers' reality.^[1]