# research-i — Full Site Content > research-i is a leading UK market research participant recruitment agency. We bring people and brands together to shape the future of gaming, products and experiences — specialising in games user research (playtesting) with 20+ years of expertise. --- ## Home ### Where research connects people and brands Take part in research and get paid — from testing new video games to sharing your views on everyday products and services. Or, work with us to recruit the right participants for your project. research-i brings people and brands together to shape the future of gaming, products and experiences. ### Take Part Share your opinions on products and services that matter to you. Types of research include: - **Playtesting** — test unreleased video games and give feedback to developers - **Group discussion** — share views in a small group setting - **One-to-one interview** — in-depth conversation about your experiences - **Website/App testing** — test digital products and provide usability feedback - **Online diary / blog** — log your thoughts and experiences over time - **Accompanied shop** — share your shopping experience with a researcher - **Remote interview** — participate from home via video call - **Family / friendship groups** — take part with people you know ### Get Paid Earn £50–£1000+ per study. Payments are issued within 24–48 hours of completing a project, with a range of payment methods available. --- ## About Us ### research-i is a leading UK market research participant recruitment agency. We partner with some of the world's largest brands, research agencies and designers to help shape the future of new technologies, services and experiences. We are the UK's most experienced games user research recruitment agency, with our founder bringing more than 20 years of expertise to the sector. At research-i, we believe that reliable, high-quality participant recruitment is the cornerstone of meaningful research insights. Our values are simple — integrity, reliability and building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. ### What sets us apart? **Always on. Always personal. Always delivering.** - **Dependable. Day or Night.** — We're available 24/7 — no exceptions. We understand the pressures of keeping research projects on track, so our clients know they can count on us whenever they need support. - **More Than Recruitment — A True Partnership** — We don't just fill roles; we build relationships. From the first conversation to project completion, we offer planning advice, transparent updates, and participant engagement that ensures meaningful insights and repeat success. - **People Who Care, Not Just a Logo** — We're approachable, experienced, and personally invested in your project's success. You'll always know who you're working with — and that we're fully committed to helping you deliver exceptional results. ### Our Team **Darren Strick — Director & UX / Games User Research Participant Recruitment Expert** Darren is the founder and resident games expert. He has dedicated his entire career to his passion for video games, starting out in 2002 as a qualitative researcher before moving into participant recruitment in 2006. He has sat on both sides of the fence and understands the challenges researchers face when it comes to participant recruitment. As a lifelong gamer and tech enthusiast, Darren speaks the language of both his clients and their users. His industry-specific knowledge is unrivalled, which is why many clients turn to him for advice at the very earliest stages of project planning. He always has a well-reasoned plan B ready before plan A is even attempted — the ultimate risk-averse strategist ensuring projects run as smoothly as possible. Over the years, he has single-handedly managed thousands of research projects across a wide range of briefs. **Leanne Strick — Director & Qualitative Recruitment Specialist** Leanne is the resident expert in all things qualitative, leading research-i's non-gaming projects while also overseeing all financial account matters. She has worked in research since 2002, holding an MSc in Research Methods and Statistics, which gives her a naturally analytical approach to every recruitment brief. With extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, Leanne has a particular interest in parental, lifestyle and pet research, as well as online research, including online communities. She has successfully recruited participants for some of the world's biggest brands, covering areas such as health and beauty, travel, news and current affairs, mum & baby, UX and online communities. --- ## Clients ### Sourcing the Highest Calibre Participants for Your Research From planning to project completion, research-i is your trusted partner in user recruitment. We combine smart technology with a personal touch to deliver engaged, reliable participants — even on tight deadlines. ### Why Leading Brands Trust research-i - **24/7 Partnership** — We are more than a supplier; we are your partner. We understand the pressure of fieldwork, which is why we are available 24/7 to keep your project on track — no exceptions. - **No Stone Unturned** — We go the extra mile to find high-quality participants. Through focused advertising, social campaigns, and our diverse network, we find the voices you need to hear. - **Integrity & Reliability** — Trust is our core value. By providing clear advice and ensuring participants are fully committed, we deliver the high-quality insights that see clients return time and again. ### Comprehensive Recruitment Support We support you at every stage, from feasibility checks to delivering the right people. No project is too big or too small. We are deadline-driven and agile — if you have a short timeline, run it by us, and we will find a solution. - **Qualitative:** In-depth interviews (remote & in-person), Focus groups, Ethnographic studies. - **UX & Usability:** Playtests, UX testing, Accompanied shops. - **Flexible Sourcing:** We can recruit from our network or manage your existing client lists. ### Smart Technology, Human Expertise We don't just fill quotas; we ensure relevance. Using our advanced CRM and screener platform, we quickly target and filter individuals to match your exact criteria. - **Targeting** — We filter via our database and fresh external campaigns to find diverse candidates. - **Screening** — Our fast, confidential screening process ensures participants are honest and reliable. - **Support** — We spot opportunities to strengthen research and solve challenges proactively. ### Professional Standards - **MRS Member** — Market Research Society (Strict Code of Conduct) - **AQR Member** — Association for Qualitative Research - **RAS Accredited** — Recruiter Accreditation Scheme - **GDPR Compliant** — Registered with the ICO with a dedicated Data Protection Officer ### Additional Support Services - **Expert Consultation** (Included Free) — From feasibility checks to methodology planning, we share honest guidance to help you get it right from the start. - **Screener Writing** (Included Free) — Don't have a screener? We can design tailored online questionnaires from scratch or based on your requirements. ### Client Testimonials > "research-i are my first choice every single time." — **Cyril Rebetez, Senior Manager, Tencent Games** > "Our go-to partner for playtest recruitment." — **Louise Brown, Senior User Researcher, SEGA** > "Leanne takes such care on every brief and never leaves anything to chance." — **Patricia Rubio, Freelance Market Researcher** > "She epitomises the gold standard in customer service." — **Kirstie Storrar, Hold That Thought Ltd** > "I have never had a 'bad' respondent – and that is key." — **EJ, Research Consultant** --- ## Members ### Get Paid to Shape the Future Companies pay for feedback on new ideas, products and services. At research-i, members can take part in a wide range of studies, from everyday topics to specialist projects. Registration is free, and you'll hear about opportunities as they come up. ### Why Join? - **Real Opportunities** — Take part in everyday product research, specialist studies, and even gaming tests for unreleased titles. - **Earn £50–£1000+** — Incentives vary by project, with fast payment (usually within 24–48 hours) and multiple payout options. - **You're in Control** — Only apply for projects that interest you. Registration is free, and you can unsubscribe anytime. - **Trusted UK Agency** — Led by experts with 20+ years' experience, connecting members with world-leading brands and research teams. ### How It Works 1. **Sign Up** — Create your free account and set your profile. You can update it at any time. 2. **Get Invited** — We'll email you when a project matches your interests. You can also browse the Projects page anytime. 3. **Apply Online** — Apply via the online screener we'll email you, or visit our projects page. 4. **Get Booked In** — If selected, we'll call to confirm the details and schedule your session. That's it. ### Your Privacy Matters - **Confidentiality Assured** — Your personal data is stored securely and is only used to match you to relevant research. You can unsubscribe at any time. - **Industry-Standard Compliance** — We follow the Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct, are members of AQR, and are an RAS Accredited Recruiter. - **Fully GDPR Compliant** — research-i is registered with the ICO and has a dedicated Data Protection Officer overseeing data protection. --- ## Playtesting ### Gaming is our speciality, and playtesting is where we're most respected. Whether you're a client looking for reliable participants or a member eager to test unreleased titles, research-i brings people and games together to shape the future of the industry. ### For Clients: Specialists in games user research recruitment At research-i, gaming participant recruitment is our speciality. With over 20 years of experience in games user research, we are respected across the industry for our reliability, sector knowledge and ability to deliver engaged, high-quality participants. We understand the nuances of playtesting — from finding casual players to niche audiences, console to mobile, and everything in between. Using our advanced CRM and screener platform, we identify the right people for your project and ensure they are fully briefed, engaged and committed. ### For Members: Play unreleased games — and get paid for your feedback As a member of research-i, you'll have the chance to take part in playtests for some of the world's leading gaming companies. These sessions let you play unreleased titles and share your views directly with developers before launch. Playtests can take place in-person at gaming studios, research venues, or online. Incentives range from £50–£1000+, paid within 24–48 hours of project completion. ### Example Projects - **5-day in-person playtest** (Central London) — Earn around £500–£625. Multi-day playtest in a professional research lab. - **1–2 hour in-person playtest** (Central London) — Earn around £80–£100. Short lab sessions focused on specific gameplay features. - **Multiweek remote playtest and diary study** (UK Wide) — Earn up to £1,000. Play from home over several weeks and complete diary tasks. - **1-hour webcam meeting** (UK Wide) — Earn around £50–£80. One-to-one online session to discuss games or review concepts. - **Group discussion** (Online or in person) — Earn around £60–£100. Small group discussion exploring opinions and preferences. --- ## FAQ **What is research-i?** research-i is a participant recruitment agency that offers paid opportunities to take part in market research, including playtesting unreleased video games, focus groups, online surveys, and product testing. We work with a variety of brands to give you the chance to share your opinions and experiences while earning incentives. **How do I sign up?** You can register by logging in and completing the simple sign-up form on our website. It only takes a few minutes and is completely free. **I have registered — what happens now?** We will start to email you invitations to apply for projects that may suit your profile. You are also welcome to check our Projects page at any time. **How do I apply for projects?** Once registered, you will receive email invitations to apply for projects that match your profile. These invitations include a link to a short screener questionnaire. You can also check our Projects page directly. **Is this a scam?** Absolutely not. research-i is a fully legitimate market research participant recruitment agency. We are the preferred choice of multiple world-renowned companies who have conducted full risk assessments and compliance checks. We are members of the Market Research Society (MRS), accredited members of the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR), and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). **How do I get selected for a project?** Each project has specific criteria. When you apply, we review your screener questionnaire to see if you meet the requirements. The most important thing is to answer honestly and accurately. We operate a strict 3 strikes and you're out policy for inaccurate screening answers. **Is there a fee to join?** No. Joining research-i is completely free, and there are no charges to participate. **How much will I get paid?** Incentives vary depending on the type and length of the research. Typically around £50 for a 1-hour remote interview, while multi-day or multi-week studies can pay between £250–£1000. Full payment details are always provided before you commit. **How is payment made?** We pay by bank transfer, PayPal, or Amazon voucher within 48 hours of completing the research. **Will my personal details be kept private?** Yes. We take data protection seriously and comply with all relevant privacy laws. Your details are only used for research purposes and are never shared without your consent. **Do I need to declare the incentive for tax purposes?** No, incentives received for market research participation are considered a gesture of thanks and are not taxable income. **How often will I be invited to participate?** This depends on your profile and current project requirements. **Can I take part in more than one project?** Yes. However, most projects have an exclusion period of around 6 months between studies to ensure fresh feedback. **What is my screener data used for?** Only to determine whether you are eligible for the specific study you have applied for. If not selected, your data is deleted. **What happens if I fail to show up for a project?** No-shows are extremely damaging. If you do not attend and we are only informed by the client, your account will be closed. We understand unexpected issues can happen — as long as you inform us in advance, we can make exceptions. **How can I contact you?** Email: info@researchi.co.uk — or via the contact form on our website. We aim to respond within 2 working days. --- ## Contact - **Email:** info@researchi.co.uk - **Website:** https://www.researchi.co.uk