A research plan aligns goals, methods, and logistics before you recruit. This template helps you keep scope tight and stakeholders aligned.
What you'll get:
- A copy/paste UX research plan template
- A checklist you can reuse
- A short example you can adapt
Use the sections below as building blocks; keep what you need and delete the rest.
Start earlier with the research brief template.
References for this guide are listed at the end.
What is a UX research plan?
A UX research plan is a document that outlines the goals, methods, and logistics of a study. It serves as a brief reference or kickoff document that gives a clear overview of the who, what, when, why, and how of the research.
Why use a UX research plan?
A plan keeps research focused and makes it easier to get alignment.
Benefits include:
- Avoiding missed considerations and unclear scope
- Creating stakeholder buy-in and shared expectations
- Adding structure, timelines, and task ownership
- Reducing rework by defining goals and methods up front
What to include in a UX research plan
Most plans cover the same core elements.
- Project background and context
- Research goals, objectives, and questions
- Methods and procedure
- Participants, criteria, and recruitment
- Logistics, tools, and timelines
- Deliverables and how results will be shared
- Links to key documents (screener, consent form, facilitator guide)
- Budget or resource notes, if needed
UX research plan template (copy/paste)
Use this template in a doc, spreadsheet, or wiki.
Project summary
- Project name:
- Product or feature:
- Owner:
- Stakeholders:
- Background or problem statement:
Goals and research questions
- Business goals:
- Research objectives:
- Research questions:
- Success criteria:
Participants and recruitment
- Target users:
- Inclusion criteria:
- Exclusion criteria:
- Sample size:
- Recruitment plan:
- Incentives:
Methods and procedure
- Methods:
- Session length:
- Tools or platforms:
- Tasks, prompts, or interview questions:
- Study materials (links): screener, consent form, facilitator guide
Logistics and timeline
- Location or remote setup:
- Roles (moderator, note taker, observer):
- Milestones and dates:
- Session schedule:
Analysis and deliverables
- Data capture and storage:
- Analysis approach:
- Deliverables:
- How results will be shared:
Budget and resources
- Costs:
- Tools or software:
- Team time:
Risks and constraints
- Known risks:
- Assumptions:
- Out of scope:
References
- Links to relevant past research, analytics, or artifacts:
UX research plan checklist
Use this checklist before you start recruiting.
- [ ] Background, goals, and research questions are documented
- [ ] Methods and procedure are defined
- [ ] Participant criteria and recruitment plan are clear
- [ ] Timeline and logistics are realistic
- [ ] Deliverables and sharing plan are defined
- [ ] Key documents are linked (screener, consent, guide)
Mini example (filled in)
Use this as a lightweight model.
Project: Checkout improvements for a SaaS onboarding flow
Goal: Understand where new users get stuck and why
Methods: User interviews and usability testing
Participants: New trial users and account admins
Timeline: Recruit, run sessions, synthesize, share report
Deliverable: Findings summary with prioritized fixes
UX research plan vs research strategy vs research design
Maze distinguishes between three related concepts:
- Research strategy: a high-level guide that aligns research to business goals
- Research plan: a project-level plan that defines goals, methods, timelines, and resources
- Research design: the detailed methods and steps for the study itself
FAQ
How detailed should a UX research plan be?
Keep it concise and easy for stakeholders to scan. It is meant to be a brief reference document written in plain language.
Who should review the plan?
Share it with stakeholders early to get buy-in and align on scope, goals, and expectations.
What documents should be linked?
Link the screener, consent form, and facilitator guide so the study can be replicated and shared clearly.
Should you update the plan after the study?
Yes. Plans often evolve during research, so update the plan to reflect what actually happened.
References
- Nielsen Norman Group — Pm Research Plan
- Maze — Plan
- User Interviews — Create User Research Plan
- Miro — UX Research Plan
- dscout — Research Plan Templates
Related resources
- User interview questions template
- UX audit template
- Usability testing template
- User journey mapping template
- How to conduct usability testing
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