In-depth interviews for design research: The Research Plan
A research plan describes the activities, deliverables, and timeline of the research that will be conducted for a given web site. Research plans typically include logistical details, such as the approach that will be used to recruit participants, the number of protocols needed, and locations that will be visited.
Research plans do not necessarily include the rationale for selecting the research method(s) unless you anticipate push back from stakeholders. The research plan can be as informal as a list of points to cover, or it can be mapped out in detail.
The research plan is a living document that provides an overview of exactly how the research will be conducted. An informal research plan document should be created as soon as people start having ideas about what the research project should accomplish. The research plan then takes shape as more details are ironed out along the way. It begins with a clear, specific statement of the opportunity or problem that is the reason for conducting the research. Some typical components of the research plan include:
- Research project scope definition
- Specific questions that will be answered by the research
- Description of research method(s) to be deployed
- Designation of roles and responsibilities
- Description of how data will be analyzed
- Plan for selecting and recruiting participants
Written by Paul Bryan, Usography Corporation (www.usography.com)
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