User research is an essential aspect of web design that involves understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the target audience. By conducting user research, designers can create websites and applications that are tailored to the user's needs, resulting in a more engaging and effective user experience. Here are some reasons why user research is so important in web design:

Better understanding of the target audience: User research helps designers gain a better understanding of the target audience, including their needs, preferences, and pain points. This understanding allows designers to create more relevant and effective designs.

Identification of opportunities: User research can identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in the design process, resulting in more effective and innovative solutions.

Design informed by data: User research provides designers with data that they can use to inform their design decisions, resulting in more effective and data-driven design solutions.

Avoiding assumptions: User research helps designers avoid making assumptions about the target audience, resulting in more accurate and effective design solutions.

Improved user engagement: User research helps designers create websites and applications that are more engaging and effective, resulting in improved user engagement and satisfaction.

User research is an ongoing process that should be integrated into the entire design process, from conception to implementation. By continually conducting user research, designers can ensure that they are creating effective and engaging designs that meet the needs of their target audience.

In conclusion, user research is an essential aspect of web design that allows designers to gain a better understanding of the target audience, identify opportunities for improvement, design informed by data, avoid assumptions, and improve user engagement. With the ever-increasing importance of user experience in web design, it's becoming essential for designers to conduct user research to stay ahead of the game.