Desktop Research
Review existing research and sources to gain a broad understanding of the current environment.
What it is
When to use it
How to run it
Explore as much as you can in the time allocated. When searching online, use the CRAP test to evaluate sources:
Currency
How recent is the information?
How recently has the website been updated?
Is it current enough for your topic?
Reliability
What kind of information is included in the resource?
Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced?
Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
Authority
Who is the creator or author? What are the credentials?
Can you find any information about the author's background?
Who is the published or sponsor? Are they reputable?
What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
Are there advertisements on the website? If so, are they cleared marked?
Purpose/Point of view
Is this fact or opinion? Does the author list sources or cite references?
Is it biased? Does the author seem to be trying to push an agenda or particular side?
Is the creator/author trying to sell you something? If so, is it clearly stated?
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Pairs well with these other methods from the discover phase.
What We Know, Think We Know & Want to Know
Capture your team's existing knowledge, assumptions, and knowledge gaps before research begins.
Hunches & Hypotheses
Surface team assumptions and biases before research so you can listen with a genuinely open mind.
Research Plan
A living document outlining your research questions, methods, participants and timeframes.