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Nielsen Norman Group

The gold standard in UX research and consulting, founded by Jakob Nielsen and Don Norman in 1998, with 28+ years defining the UX industry.

Overview

Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) is the gold standard in UX research, training, and consulting. Founded in 1998 in Fremont, California by Jakob Nielsen and Don Norman — two of the most influential figures in the history of user experience — NN/g has spent over 28 years defining and advancing the practice of UX.

Their consulting services include UX strategy, user research, service design, and UX design, applied flexibly in both limited and extended engagements. Their researchers are experts in many types of usability research, helping clients determine the best study types, plan details, carry out research, and prepare rich analysis with actionable, prioritized results.

Beyond consulting, NN/g offers world-renowned UX training and certification programs. Their UX Certification is an exam-based credential that reinforces learning and boosts credibility. Consulting engagements typically range from $40K-$200K USD, with user testing starting at $40,000 USD. NN/g's research and guidelines are cited by UX professionals worldwide, making them arguably the most influential UX organization in existence.

Key Features

  • UX consulting & strategy
  • Usability testing
  • User research
  • Service design
  • UX training & certification
  • Heuristic evaluation
  • Expert reviews
  • Research-based guidelines

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • + Founded by Jakob Nielsen and Don Norman — UX legends
  • + 28+ years defining the UX industry
  • + World's most cited UX research organization
  • + Gold-standard UX certification program

Cons

  • Very premium pricing ($40K+ minimum)
  • Academic approach may not suit fast-moving startups
  • Consulting engagements can be lengthy

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