User research plays a crucial role in enhancing product development by gathering insights about user needs, behaviors, and preferences. This process involves methods like interviews, surveys, and usability testing to collect qualitative and quantitative data. By understanding the user's perspective, product teams can identify pain points, opportunities for improvement, and features that genuinely resonate with users. Incorporating user research into the development process increases the likelihood of creating a successful product that meets market demands and satisfies end users.