Summary: Start every UX-research study with a plan. Research plans document goals, methods, and logistics.
Why Plans Matter
As the popular saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail . All UX-research studies should start with a plan. Without a plan, key considerations can get missed and stakeholders may misunderstand what the research is about or will find.
A research plan is a document that outlines the goals, methods, and logistical details of a research study. (When planning a usability test, the research plan is often referred to as a test plan .)
The act of creating a research plan helps to structure your thinking. However, research plans have many more benefits, including: