So you need a research repository?
Many organizations have identified a need for a central place to house — and share — their research. Strategic internal UX research is the best place to start.
Know your users
If you’re a UX researcher reading this, you already know the value of “knowing your users.”
Who will be using the repository? What do they want? What do they need? What does their research process look like? Where do they keep their old research reports and other documentation? How do they currently share this information with their colleagues?
Taking the time to “research the researchers” is vital to the success of the repository. It’s tempting to start scouting out all of the awesome tools out there, but don’t jump the gun! If you don’t meet your users where they are, the awesome tool won’t be used.
Besides researchers, who else will be using the repository? Who else *should* be using the repository? You should talk to these people too, if you want your repository to be adopted more widely.
Involve the stakeholders
Speaking of stakeholders, getting buy-in for your repository can be very powerful, especially if research isn’t valued as highly as you’d like at your organization.
Doing “internal research” for a research repository is a huge opportunity to advocate for research at your organization. Every interview you conduct conveys the message that a research repository is important, and that you’re listening to what people need at various levels of the organization.
Be ready for change
Using a repository will likely bring about changes to the way research is done at your organization. You will see new opportunities, but also gaps and problems with the way things are done. Report formats, research quality, and research impact (or lack of it) will be put in the spotlight. Be ready to engage in those conversations!
Some final tips
- Make sure someone with knowledge management skills is involved. Librarians and archivists can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your team. These folks aren’t simply “organizers of information” — they can also help you with data curation, description, preservation, and even adoption of the tool that you choose.
- Get high-level support for the implementation of your research repository from the very beginning. You will need this support if and when you’re faced with resistance.
- Make sure you communicate/market your repository internally. Meet with various teams, write blog posts, etc. The larger your organization, the more time it will take to create an effective communication plan and carry it out.
- Your research will likely uncover some problems with the way internal documents are organized and shared. The unfortunately common problem of “so-and-so left the company and now their documents are gone” can easily be avoided.
- Adoption and engagement are paramount. Your repository’s value is determined by its usage.
A research repository has enormous potential to elevate research at your organization, so gather your team and make a plan!
