Every UX research project
should start with a plan.
Project plans help us document and communicate
goals, methods, and logistics
necessary to repeat the study.
This video is great for anyone
just dipping their toes
into the user research world.
I'll cover why you need a plan,
what to include and considerations.
So why do plans matter?
Creating a project plan structures
your thinking around
the research activity.
Plans help us keep stakeholders
involved and informed while reducing the need
for calls and redundant meetings.
Documenting your research project plan
in a shared place can help
prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary rework.
So what do you need to include
in your research plan?
Think of what you include as a map
for what you're doing and why.
To help me remember,
I think "PETS," P-E-T-S.
So P, purpose of the plan and study.
Include information about
what you will be conducting research on
such as basics about the targeted user,
product, method and rationale.
This includes the goal of the study
and the metrics for the usability goals you have.
Like maximum time on task
and other success criteria.
And then E.
E is for expectations.
Expectations about the deliverables, timing,
and/or your schedule.
In addition to the team
that will be conducting the research.
This includes expectations
of your note takers too.
Note taking and question asking guidelines for observers,
including how to collaborate
in effective data gathering
without biasing sessions.
And then T.
T is for test setup.
This includes anything that needs to happen
before the study.
Think setup,
including any equipment or supplies for research.
This setup should also cover
any screening questionnaires
and your recruitment plan.
And then S.
S is for script.
Include a facilitator script
with questions for participants,
including user scenarios and consent forms.
Make a detailed facilitation script
that includes introductions, instructions,
any needed prompts, task scenarios,
questions you plan to ask,
and so forth.
Beyond the plan,
it's important to consider other details
prior to your research.
First, get stakeholders' verbal or written sign-off.
This ensures everyone understands
what's in scope
and how you'll meet the research goals.
Provide written goals,
user profiles, tasks,
and other participant scenarios
as soon as possible
so any concerns and questions
can be discussed well in advance.
Next, think through all your logistics.
Consider how much time you have
with each participant.
Building in time for pilot sessions,
lunch, debrief, and regroup time.
Don't forget to think about
if you need desks and tables or food.
Think through if you're compensating study participants.
How will you pay them?
Directly at the time of the study?
If so, do you need cash or gift cards?
And don't forget,
you also need a consent form.
At a minimum,
this should include what the study involves,
who's conducting the research,
why you're doing it, the date,
any incentive paid,
which information will be collected and how,
and what information will be shared.
Including any kind of NDA requirement.
Research plans are essential tools
that help us track everything
at the same time
as they keep stakeholders informed.
Planning helps ensure that
you don't forget anything important
and looking forward,
think about making a research plan template
that you can modify as needed
to save your time
or even share with other team members.