DIY Research Logistics Plan

The Research Logistics Plan (RLP) is the initial component of the Xperience Qlarity Formula that asks you to consider 15 key research questions. By considering each and every piece of your research project ahead of time, you are empowered to create a path to success and secure clear commitments from all involved parties before the work gets started. The completed RLP serves as a comprehensive roadmap, guiding your project and your team from project inception through to strategic business decisions. 

Use this guide for each and every project that you do to build the habit of clear expectations and thoughtful market research.

Instructions

• Reflect and Answer: Take your time to reflect on each question. Think about the specific details and objectives of your upcoming research project which will bring clarity to the commitments you are making and highlight areas that may need more attention.
• Be Outcome and Learning Focused: Specify what you plan to gain from this research, even if it seems ambiguous. The more you consider the end goal in your responses, the closer you will find yourself to it.
• Review and Revise: After you have completed all the questions, review your answers on your PDF. Make any necessary revisions to ensure your responses are clear, concise, and comprehensive. Note any places that you may be unsure or have inconsistencies.
• Use as a Reference: Keep this completed guide as a reference throughout your research project and share it with stakeholders, team members, and vendors. It will help keep your whole team focused and aligned with the strategic research objectives.

Tips for Effective Use

• Set An Appointment with Yourself: Set an appointment with yourself for 15 minutes to fill out this worksheet BEFORE meeting with anyone else. Reminder your first attempt is not final.
• Collaborate: Research does not happen in a vacuum. Speak with team members and stakeholders to iterate upon the plan and make decision on the projects scope.
• Revisit Throughout: Schedule three check in’s during the project timeline to measure progress vs the plan and adjust as needed. We recommend at the transition from RLP to Configure (often the kickoff call), at the end of Configure, and at 80% Access completion.
• Use it on Every Project: Bookmark this page and create a new version of this guide for every new research project to ensure that each project is thoughtfully and uniquely planned. Building the habit of clear expectations with a thorough Research Logistics Plan will only improve your research outcomes for better business decisions.

Don't want to fill it out online? Download our editable PDF to fill it out later.