What type of research gathers unstructured data for deeper user insights?

Qualitative research is the correct choice because it focuses on understanding the underlying motivations, thoughts, and feelings of users. This type of research gathers unstructured data through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observation. By collecting this rich, descriptive data, researchers can delve deeper into the user experience, uncovering insights that are often missed in structured methods.

Qualitative research allows for open-ended responses, giving participants the freedom to express themselves and share their perspectives in their own words. This approach is especially valuable in UX design, where understanding user behavior, emotions, and needs is crucial for creating effective and user-friendly products.

In contrast, quantitative research emphasizes the collection of structured data and statistical analysis, which can limit the depth of understanding. Experimental research is more focused on testing hypotheses through controlled scenarios, while survey research typically gathers structured responses, which can skews the context of user experiences.