User Research Plan Template
Create a detailed user research plan to investigate [research question/objective] for [product/feature]. Include: 1) Background and business context, 2) Specific research questions to answer, 3) Recommended methodology with rationale (usability testing, interviews, surveys, etc.), 4) Participant recruitment criteria and sourcing strategy, 5) Sample size justification, 6) Research script or protocol outline, 7) Timeline and resource requirements, 8) Analysis approach, 9) Deliverables and knowledge sharing plan, and 10) How findings will inform product decisions. Consider potential biases and limitations and how to mitigate them.
How to Use This Prompt
- Copy the prompt using the button above
- Replace placeholders in [brackets] with your specific details
- Paste into your AI assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
- Iterate as needed - ask follow-up questions to refine the output
Why This Prompt Works
This prompt produces a research plan that covers every element stakeholders and research reviewers expect, from methodology rationale and sample size justification to bias mitigation and knowledge sharing. The explicit requirement to connect findings to product decisions ensures the output goes beyond academic research planning and stays focused on business impact.
When to Use This Prompt
- When kicking off a new research initiative and you need a plan to align stakeholders on scope and approach
- When requesting research budget or headcount and you need a structured proposal to justify the investment
- When transitioning from ad-hoc user research to a more systematic, repeatable research practice
Tips for Better Results
- State your specific research question clearly (e.g., "Why do trial users not convert after day 7?") for a more focused plan
- Mention your timeline and budget constraints so the AI recommends feasible methodologies rather than ideal-world approaches
- Specify whether you have access to existing users or need external recruitment to get practical sourcing strategies