User research or Need Finding aims to identify needs, wants, gaps, and opportunities, with opportunities being the most valuable but hardest to uncover directly from users.

The AASA framework for research includes Anchoring (existing organizational knowledge), Auditing (designer's analysis), Scanning (secondary market research), and Asking (direct user interviews).

With limited resources, focus on the first three steps of AASA, which can provide valuable insights without significant time or funds.

Even without primary research, designers should never start projects without basic research, as it enhances need-finding abilities and improves the quality of questions asked during user interviews.