# Research Study Checklist

Complete checklist for running user research studies.

## Planning Phase

### Research Questions
- [ ] Primary research questions defined
- [ ] Secondary questions listed
- [ ] Questions are specific and answerable
- [ ] Method matches questions

### Methodology
- [ ] Method selected (interviews, usability, survey, etc.)
- [ ] Appropriate for research questions
- [ ] Timeline established
- [ ] Resources allocated

### Participants
- [ ] Target participant profile defined
- [ ] Inclusion criteria clear
- [ ] Exclusion criteria clear
- [ ] Sample size determined (5-8 for qual, 100+ for quant)
- [ ] Recruitment channel identified
- [ ] Incentive amount set

## Preparation Phase

### Materials
- [ ] Discussion guide/test plan written
- [ ] Prototype or artifact ready (if testing)
- [ ] Recording consent form prepared
- [ ] Note-taking template ready
- [ ] Incentive fulfillment process set

### Recruitment
- [ ] Screener survey created
- [ ] Recruitment started
- [ ] Participants scheduled
- [ ] Calendar invites sent
- [ ] Reminder emails scheduled

### Logistics
- [ ] Room booked (if in-person)
- [ ] Video call link generated (if remote)
- [ ] Recording software tested
- [ ] Note-taker confirmed
- [ ] Backup plan for no-shows

## Execution Phase

### Before Each Session
- [ ] Review participant profile
- [ ] Test recording
- [ ] Materials ready
- [ ] Note-taker briefed

### During Session
- [ ] Consent obtained
- [ ] Recording started
- [ ] Follow discussion guide
- [ ] Notes captured in real-time
- [ ] Probing questions asked

### After Each Session
- [ ] Quick debrief (5 min)
- [ ] Top takeaways noted
- [ ] Recording saved
- [ ] Incentive sent
- [ ] Thank you sent

## Analysis Phase

### Data Processing
- [ ] Notes cleaned up
- [ ] Recordings uploaded
- [ ] Transcripts generated (if needed)
- [ ] Data organized by participant

### Synthesis
- [ ] Affinity mapping completed
- [ ] Themes identified
- [ ] Patterns documented
- [ ] Quotes extracted
- [ ] Insights generated

### Output
- [ ] Report/presentation created
- [ ] Key findings highlighted
- [ ] Recommendations provided
- [ ] Limitations acknowledged
- [ ] Next steps proposed

## Sharing Phase

- [ ] Stakeholders identified
- [ ] Presentation scheduled
- [ ] Report distributed
- [ ] Raw data archived
- [ ] Findings added to research repository
- [ ] Follow-up research identified
