Take part in paid research

We run user and market research for organisations that want to improve their products and services. To do this, we invite people like you to take part and share your views in short online sessions or in-person interviews.

What you can expect

Taking part is always optional, and we aim to make the process clear and straightforward.
  • Paid participation. Most studies include an incentive such as a gift card or bank transfer (terms vary by project).
  • Clear upfront details. We always explain what’s involved before you decide.
  • No spam. We only contact you when a study may match your profile.
  • No obligation. You can ignore any invitation and remain on the list.
  • Easy opt-out. You can unsubscribe from our invitation list at any time using the link in our emails.
  • Stop or withdraw. You can stop taking part at any time. You can also ask us to stop using identifiable research information, subject to any limits explained before the study. For example, it may no longer be possible to identify and remove your contribution once it has been irreversibly anonymised or combined into research findings.
  • Respect for your data. We never sell your personal information, and we won’t share your contact details with clients without your explicit consent. You can ask for access to the personal data we hold about you using our personal data request form.

For more information about the personal data we collect, how and why we use it, and your data protection rights, see our privacy policy.

Code of conduct

Border Crossing UX is an MRS Company Partner and works to the MRS Code of Conduct.

Taking part is voluntary. Before each study, we will explain:

  • what the study is about and what taking part involves
  • who the research is for
  • whether the session will be recorded or observed
  • who may have access to the information
  • how the information will be used and how long it will be kept
  • how to stop taking part or raise a concern.

We will never use research as a pretext to sell you something.

If you are unhappy with how you have been treated, our Complaints and feedback page explains how to raise the matter with us and how to contact MRS if you remain dissatisfied.

How it works

  • Sign up. Share a few details so we can match you to relevant studies.
  • Get invited. We contact you only when a study looks like a match.
  • Answer a screening questionnaire. You answer a short set of study-specific questions (for example, availability or device access).
  • Get booked in. If selected, we confirm time, format, and any requirements.
  • Take part. You share your honest views and experiences.
  • Get paid. You receive the agreed incentive after you participate.

Please note: We often receive more responses than there are spaces available. If you’re not selected for one study, you may still be invited to future opportunities.

What you might be invited to do

Depending on the project, you may be invited to take part in one of these formats:

  • Surveys and questionnaires. Short forms with open and closed questions. Typical time: 5 to 30 minutes.
  • 1:1 interviews. A researcher asks questions about a product, service, or topic. Typical time: up to 60 minutes.
  • Usability testing. Trying a website, app, or prototype while sharing what you’re thinking. You’re not being tested. Typical time: up to 60 minutes.
  • Focus groups. Small group discussions facilitated by a researcher. Typical time: 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Card sorting and navigation tests. Sorting information or finding items to help improve structure and labelling. Typical time: up to 60 minutes.
  • Workshops and co-design sessions. Structured group sessions to generate and refine ideas. Typical time: 3 to 6 hours.
  • Task-based research. Completing a task in the real world (for example, finding information or comparing options) and describing your experience. Typical time: usually under 60 minutes.
  • Shadowing and contextual research. A researcher observes how you do something in a real setting. Typical time: 2 to 6 hours.
  • Diary studies and panels. Sharing input over time. Typical time: spread across days or weeks.

We’ll always tell you what’s involved before you decide.

Sign up

Completing this form registers your interest only. You are never obliged to take part in any study.

If a study looks relevant, we’ll invite you to complete a short screening questionnaire with more specific questions (for example, availability or device access).

    Your details

    This will only be used to send you invitations to participate in research.

    Research preferences

    You can select one or more options.

    This is used to invite you to in-person opportunities near you.

    About you

    This is used to invite you to opportunities relevant to you.

    Consent

    By registering, you are asking us to add your details to our research panel. We will use those details to identify studies that may be relevant and contact you using your preferred contact method.

    Registering does not sign you up to a particular study. Before each study, we will explain what it involves, who it is for, whether it will be recorded or observed, how your information will be used and how long it will be kept. We will ask for any project-specific agreement separately.

    We keep your panel registration details for up to 3 years. You can ask us to remove your details at any time.

    We handle your information in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our privacy and cookies policy explains this in more detail.