At Lore we hear from many early-stage teams who hesitate to invest in user research. The common mistake is the belief that research will be too slow, too expensive, or too complicated. But unfortunately skipping research doesn’t save money, it just kicks the costs down the road.

The reality is that research doesn’t have to be a drawn-out, high-cost endeavour. Some of the most impactful insights come from lightweight, targeted approaches that fit within the constraints of a growing company that’s moving fast.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

1. Start small, learn fast

You don’t need dozens of interviews or a massive data set to uncover meaningful insights. Even 5 or 10 well-structured conversations can reveal surprising patterns. A simple survey can validate assumptions before they turn into costly missteps. A quick competitive audit can clarify what truly differentiates your product.

When resources are limited, the key is to be intentional. Focus on the highest-impact questions and the fastest ways to get answers.

2. Reframe how you think about research

Every early-stage company worries about efficiency. But good research isn’t a cost centre, it’s an efficiency multiplier. It prevents wasted time building the wrong features, helps refine your messaging and positioning, and ensures you’re solving the right problems for real people.

Skipping research might feel like a way to move fast, but it often leads to expensive detours. A few quick insights today can save months of course correction later.

3. Make research a habit

The best product teams don’t treat research as a luxury. They make it part of the routine, using lightweight methods that scale along with them.

Talk to a user each week, capture insights from sales and support calls, and use quick, repeatable methods like short surveys or concept tests in every sprint.

A small budget doesn’t mean small insights—it just means being smart about how you gather them. If you've been hesitating to do research because it feels too costly or too slow, reach out! We can get you useful insights, fast, and we won't waste your money.