An agreed question
and a bounded study.
We define objectives, approach, participant criteria, activities and outputs with the client. Timing depends on preparation, recruitment, access and the work itself.
If the product, participant group or research question changes, we discuss what that means for the scope before continuing.
Participation
with clear expectations.
Recruitment responsibilities, invitations, consent and recording arrangements are part of study planning. Participants should understand what they are being asked to do and how their contribution will be handled.
The client and research team agree access to personal or identifiable material, appropriate retention and the form of the handover.
Make the client’s
involvement useful.
A point of contact helps with product questions and project decisions. Observers receive context before sessions, and the team has time to discuss the material after it has been gathered.
Researcher and client roles remain distinct. Product knowledge is useful context, but it should not replace the participant’s account or an observed attempt.
Agree what
will be handed over.
The output may include a research plan, discussion or task guide, study summary, themes, annotated issues and a readout. The exact set follows the question and scope.
Commercial terms, fees, responsibilities and project changes belong in the written agreement.
Start with a project brief