Research·Updated April 10, 2026

UX Research Plan Generator

Scaffold a full research plan from a vague stakeholder ask: objectives, methods, participants, phased timeline, deliverables, assumptions to validate, and risks. For usability-only scope, pair with the Usability Test Plan prompt.

Use Case

Starting a new research initiative when you need a structured plan fast before a kickoff or leadership sync.

Prompt

Act as a Principal UX Researcher with 15+ years of experience across B2B and B2C products.

I need you to generate a comprehensive research plan based on the following inputs:
Product/Feature Area: [describe the product or feature]
Business Question: [what decision is the business trying to make?]
Timeline Available: [e.g., 2 weeks, 1 sprint, 6 weeks]
Team Resources: [e.g., solo researcher, research team of 3, no dedicated researcher]
Existing Data Available: [e.g., past studies, analytics, NPS scores, or "none"]

Please generate a research plan that includes:

1. Restated Research Objectives
   Reframe the business question into 3 clear UX research objectives using outcome-oriented language.

2. Recommended Methods
   Suggest 2-3 methods with a rationale for each (qualitative vs. quantitative, generative vs. evaluative). Flag any tradeoffs.

3. Participant Criteria
   Define the target participant profile including inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and recommended sample size per method.

4. Proposed Timeline
   Provide a phased week-by-week plan from kickoff to readout.

5. Key Deliverables
   List what the team will receive at the end of the study.

6. Assumptions to Validate
   Call out 3-5 assumptions baked into this plan that I should pressure-test with stakeholders before proceeding.

7. Risks and Mitigations
   Identify the top 2-3 risks (e.g., recruitment challenges, timeline compression) and suggest mitigations.

Format the output with clear headers. Use plain language. Avoid unnecessary jargon.

How to use

1Replace bracketed inputs. Make the business question specific (e.g., "Determine whether users can complete checkout without assistance" vs. "understand users").
2Paste any prior research or analytics bullets so the model can spot gaps.
3Run the prompt, then ask for a RACI table as a follow-up if you need ownership clarity.
4If the scope is only a usability study, cross-check output against a dedicated usability test plan template.

Pro Tips

• If the model suggests too many methods, follow up: "Assume we only have time for one method. Which is highest-leverage and why?"
• Human-review participant criteria before recruiting - avoid overly broad profiles.
• Treat the timeline as a scaffold; adjust for real recruiting lead times.