Research planning checklist
This job aid offers a checklist made up of questions that need to be answered before performing design research.
Purpose
The checklist can be used to include all the necessary component into the research plan.
Desired outcome
The structured, well-organised research plan.
When to use
Use this job aid at the planning stage of your design research.
Pairs well with
How to use
As you develop your research plan, refer to this checklist to determine whether you completed the question specific components/tasks to answer the following questions:
What is the goal of your research?
Purpose and goals of the research
What is the value of this work?
Purpose of the plan
Rationale
Who are the people involved?
User tasks, metrics, and usability goals, such as maximum time on task and other success criteria (if applicable)
User profiles (characteristics of target participants for the research)
Recruitment plan
Stakeholder engagement
What methods will be used?
Choice and rationale for each research method
Questionnaires
Note-taking and question-asking guidelines for observers, including how to collaborate in effective data gathering without biasing the sessions
Facilitator script with questions for participants, including consent forms
Methods of data analysis and synthesis
Research ethics documents:
- Data management plan
- Privacy, confidentiality and anonymity
What resources are needed?
Budget
Expectations about deliverables and timing
Team:
- Expectations and roles
- To-do lists
Schedule
Equipment and supplies
Location information and contact details
Checklists, documents and forms
Source: Visit Project Management for User Research: The Plan and Building a research plan with five simple questions – Canadian Digital Service to learn more.
