# Research Plan

## Study Details

- **Title:** [Study name]
- **Authors:** [Researcher names]
- **Stakeholders:** [Who will use these findings]
- **Date:** [Start date]
- **Status:** Planning / In Progress / Complete

## Background

> Why is this research needed? What history is relevant? What decisions will this research inform?

[1-2 paragraphs]

## Research Goals

> One clear statement. Research is best when it satisfies a single objective.

[Goal statement]

## Research Questions

> 3-5 questions, no more than 10. Each should be answerable through the chosen methodology.

1. [Question]
2. [Question]
3. [Question]

## Methodology

> What will you do, where will you do it, and how long do you need?

- **Type:** Generative / Evaluative / Descriptive / Causal
- **Method:** [e.g., Semi-structured interviews, Usability testing, Contextual inquiry]
- **Setting:** Remote / In-person / Hybrid
- **Duration per session:** [e.g., 45-60 minutes]
- **Number of sessions:** [e.g., 6-8 interviews]
- **Recording:** Audio / Video / Screen recording / Notes only

## Participants

- **Target profile:** [Who are we talking to? Key characteristics]
- **Number:** [How many participants]
- **Recruiting method:** [Panel, in-product, referral, agency]
- **Screener:** [Link to screener survey or see templates/screener-template.md]
- **Incentive:** [Amount and form]

## Participant Criteria

| Criterion | Include | Exclude |
|---|---|---|
| Role | [e.g., Product managers] | [e.g., UX designers — too close to the problem] |
| Experience | [e.g., 1+ years using the product] | [e.g., Brand new users] |
| Tech comfort | [e.g., Daily computer users] | [e.g., Infrequent tech users] |
| Other | [e.g., Decision-maker for purchases] | [e.g., Company employees] |

## Timeline

| Phase | Dates | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & prep | [Dates] | [Name] |
| Recruiting | [Dates] | [Name] |
| Data collection | [Dates] | [Name] |
| Analysis | [Dates] | [Name] |
| Report & share | [Dates] | [Name] |

## Team Roles

- **Lead researcher:** [Name — plans, facilitates, analyzes]
- **Observer/notetaker:** [Name — captures observations during sessions]
- **Recruiting coordinator:** [Name — manages screener and scheduling]
- **Stakeholder reviewers:** [Names — review findings and recommendations]

## Materials Needed

- [ ] Interview guide / discussion guide / test script
- [ ] Prototype or product access
- [ ] Recording equipment / software
- [ ] Consent forms
- [ ] Participant incentives
- [ ] Note-taking templates
- [ ] Shared drive folder for data storage

## Success Metrics

> How will you know if this research was successful?

- [ ] All research questions are answered with evidence
- [ ] Findings are actionable (specific enough to inform design decisions)
- [ ] Stakeholders can articulate the key insights
- [ ] Recommendations are prioritized by severity and effort

## Risks and Considerations

- [e.g., Recruiting timeline may be tight — start early]
- [e.g., Remote sessions may miss environmental context]
- [e.g., Stakeholder availability for analysis session]

## Data Management

- **Naming convention:** `[Study]-[Participant]-[YYYY-MM-DD]`
- **Storage location:** [Shared drive path]
- **Consent:** [How consent is obtained and stored]
- **Anonymization:** [How participant identity is protected in reports]
