Define Research Goals: What should the test actually find out?

Why this matters

Tests without a clear goal deliver data, but not decisions

Focus on business-relevant risks, not nice-to-haves

Prevents testing too much or the wrong things

Saves time during execution and analysis

High relevance for actual project decisions

Good tests start with the right question – not the prototype

Before a single test guide is written, we clarify together: what exactly should this test find out? Is it about the fundamental relevance of an offering (usefulness), or the usability of a specific concept (usability)?

This distinction sounds small – but it makes the decisive difference between a test that provides direction and one that only raises more questions.

01

Understand project goal

What is currently up for decision?

02

Formulate test goals

What should the test specifically answer?

03

Identify assumptions

Which hypotheses do we want to examine?

04

Define target group

Who needs to test – and with what level of experience?

05

Select method

Design test, concept test, interview – what fits the goal?

Typical statements
before the project

What you get

Documented test goals & verifiable assumptions
Target group definition incl. task knowledge & usage context
Selection of appropriate test method