Desk research is the process of gathering existing information from published sources instead of collecting new data directly from users. This includes reports, articles, competitor websites, analytics, and previous studies that are already available online or within your organization.
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It's often the first step in a research project because it's fast, low-cost, and helps you understand the landscape before planning primary research like interviews or usability tests.

Why does Desk research matter?

Desk research helps you build context quickly, saving time and budget before you invest in more expensive primary research. It's useful for market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and identifying gaps in existing knowledge early in a project.

For example, before designing a new feature, a team might review industry reports, competitor apps, and past user research findings to spot patterns and avoid repeating work that's already been done.

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