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User research · Guide and template

Plan research around a decision

Turn a broad topic into a question you can investigate, with a one-page research plan.

Go to the template

Before you start

Your team has opinions about a problem, but needs evidence before choosing what to do.

You’ll have: A research question, a reason for the method, and a plan for using what you learn.

How to use it

  1. 1. Name the decision

    Write down what your team will decide and when. List what you already know, where that evidence came from and what you are assuming. Choose the uncertainty that could most change the decision.

  2. 2. Find people who can help you learn

    Describe the relevant experience participants need to have. Consider who is usually missed, access needs and how you will reach people. Choose a method that can answer the question, then arrange informed consent and appropriate handling of research data.

  3. 3. Plan the next conversation with your team

    Agree how you will review observations, distinguish findings from assumptions and revisit the decision. Leave room for contradictory evidence and questions that the research cannot answer.

An example

Illustrative example: before redesigning an invitation screen, a team plans to speak with people who recently accepted or declined an invitation, rather than asking colleagues which layout they prefer.

Keep in mind: This planning worksheet is not a participant information sheet or consent form. Arrange those for your actual research context before involving people.

Use the template

Copy it into your own document or download the Markdown file. Fill it in with your team, using the guide above. No account or email is required.

Download .md

Preview the blank template
# Research plan

## Decision
What will we decide, by when, and who is responsible?

## What we know
- Evidence and source:
- Assumptions:
- Most consequential unknown:

## Research question
What do we need to understand to make this decision?

## People and method
- Relevant participant experience:
- Perspectives we may be missing:
- Access and communication needs:
- Method and why it fits:
- Recruitment approach and agreed participant thank-you, if any:

## Participant care and data
- Information and consent process:
- What we need to collect, and why:
- Recording choice and alternatives:
- Who can access the notes and where they are kept:
- Retention and deletion plan:

## Session outline
- Introduction and permission to stop:
- Topics or tasks:
- Closing questions:

## Use the findings
- How we will review and synthesise:
- Evidence that could change our mind:
- Decision review date and owner:
- Limitations to report:

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Cumulative · Plan research around a decision
Guide: https://cumulative.com.au/resources/research-plan

This planning worksheet is not a participant information sheet or consent form. Arrange those for your actual research context before involving people.