A research agency without borders.
We're a small, fully remote research outfit based in South Africa. No offices, no overhead theatre, just researchers working with clients on every continent at rates that make sense.
We're rooted in South Africa and working everywhere. Time zones turn out to matter far less than you'd expect: we've run studies spanning Europe, the Americas, Africa, and APAC without missing a beat.
Full service means the whole job. Study design, recruitment, fieldwork, analysis, reporting. UX research and market research alike. You bring the questions and we bring back answers.
Our mission
To make top-tier research affordable for companies of any size. Good evidence shouldn't be a luxury good.
How we work
Carefully, and out in the open. You'll see the plan, the data, and our working, then get recommendations worth acting on.
Who runs UX Refinery?
UX Refinery is led by Sergio G. de Sousa, Director and Research Consultant. With 13 years across UX, market, and CX research, backed by an MCom in Business Management (Marketing) from UNISA. He previously led research in-house at listed international groups, so he has sat on your side of the table too. Every study is designed and run in-house, never handed to juniors or subcontracted blind. Senior researchers only, from the first call to a readout you can act on.
How we behave when nobody's watching.
Accountability
If we get it wrong, we say so. Then we fix it.
Fairness
Same rigour for every client, every participant, every project. No favourites.
Quality
Rigorous methods, honestly reported. Even when the answer is awkward.
Approachability
Ask us anything. Push back on everything. We like that.
Respect
Clients, colleagues, participants. Everyone gets dignity, always.
Integrity
We report what we found, not what you hoped. That is the job.
Humility
There is always more to learn. Usually from the last participant of the day.
Curiosity
We ask why for a living. It leaks into everything else too.
Let's talk
Ready to stop guessing?
Tell us what you're trying to figure out. We'll design the study that answers it: UX, market, or both.