What are User Research Team OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for User Research Team to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own User Research Team OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
User Research Team OKRs examples
We've added many examples of User Research Team Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to successfully implement a coherent MYEO Theory of Change Framework
- ObjectiveSuccessfully implement a coherent MYEO Theory of Change Framework
- KRConduct a detailed research on MYEO's needs for a Theory of Change Framework by month end
- Review existing internal documents about MYEO's goals
- Compile findings into a comprehensive report
- Identify key stakeholders within MYEO for research interviews
- KRAchieve 90% user acceptance of the new framework within the first two weeks of roll-out
- Regularly monitor and address user issues
- Implement a communication strategy for feedback
- Conduct thorough user training programs for the new framework
- KRDesign a tailor-made Theory of Change Framework for MYEO in 6 weeks
- Construct and refine the theory framework
- Develop a strategic plan with action steps
- Identify specific, measurable goals for MYEO
OKRs to establish our simple AI startup using open-source tools
- ObjectiveEstablish our simple AI startup using open-source tools
- KRDevelop a basic AI model using chosen open-source tool by end of week 8
- Develop and test a basic AI model using the selected tool
- Start learning and mastering the selected tool
- Choose a suitable open-source tool for AI model development
- KRAcquire first 10 users to test our AI model and gather feedback by week 12
- Reach out and onboard first 10 users for testing
- Set up a feedback collection system
- Identify target audience for AI model testing
- KRIdentify and assess 5 suitable open-source tools for AI development by week 4
OKRs to develop a compelling game that engages and captivates players
- ObjectiveDevelop a compelling game that engages and captivates players
- KRDevelop a functional prototype of the game with polished graphics and intuitive controls
- Implement and refine intuitive controls based on user experience and usability testing
- Iterate on the game design based on user feedback and playtesting results
- Conduct user testing to identify any issues with the game controls
- Collaborate with an artist to create high-quality graphics for the game prototype
- KRConduct user research to identify target audience preferences and game themes
- Develop a survey to gather user feedback on preferred game themes
- Use findings to inform game theme selection and prioritize target audience preferences
- Conduct interviews with target audience members to understand their preferences
- Analyze user research data to identify common themes and preferences
- KRConduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback and iterate on the game design
- KRCreate a detailed game design document outlining gameplay mechanics, levels, and objectives
- Outline basic gameplay mechanics that will define the core experience of the game
- Create clear and specific objectives for each level, ensuring they align with gameplay mechanics
- Design a series of diverse levels that challenge and engage players
- Research popular gameplay mechanics, level design techniques, and objective structures
OKRs to enhance the quality and comprehensibility of technical documentation
- ObjectiveEnhance the quality and comprehensibility of technical documentation
- KRImprove user-satisfaction score regarding documentation clarity by 25%
- Revise and simplify technical language in existing documentation
- Collect user feedback regularly to pinpoint confusion
- Input visual aids to enhance document comprehensibility
- KRIncrease documentation completeness by 30%
- Conduct comprehensive review of existing documents for gaps
- Allocate resources for completing incomplete documents
- Establish system to maintain document updates
- KRConduct bi-weekly documentation review and update to ensure current and error-free information
- Evaluate and rectify any errors in the documentation
- Update outdated sections of the document
- Set a bi-weekly schedule for documentation reviews
- KRReduce customer support queries about product functionality by 20%
- Conduct regular user experience testing for feedback
- Launch an online FAQ page on product functionality
- Improve product user manual for clarity and comprehensiveness
OKRs to improve user experience design and expand research scope
- ObjectiveImprove user experience design and expand research scope
- KRIncrease user satisfaction scores by 20% through UX enhancements
- Collaboratively design UX updates addressing critical issues
- Implement updates and gather user feedback for adjustments
- Survey users to identify current UX pain points
- KRReduce task completion time by 15% via redesigned user workflows
- Identify bottlenecks in the current workflow system
- Implement and test redesigned workflows
- Develop user-friendly and efficient workflow design
- KRConduct and analyze 30 user interviews for UX research insights
- Conduct 30 user interviews focused on UX insights
- Analyze collected data and compile UX research report
- Identify and schedule interviews with 30 appropriate users
OKRs to develop a comprehensive monolingual dictionary
- ObjectiveDevelop a comprehensive monolingual dictionary
- KRImplement and test a user-friendly search and organization system
- Develop a prototype of the search and organization system
- Run usability tests with a sample of users
- Revise system based on user feedback
- KRGet a 90% positive feedback score from 100 beta users for the dictionary usability
- Implement real-time customer support to resolve user issues swiftly
- Conduct surveys to gain precise user feedback on dictionary usability
- Improve dictionary interface based on previous user testing feedback
- KRList out 10,000 words with detailed definitions and usage by end of the quarter
- Write detailed definitions and usage for each word
- Research and collect 10,000 words from reliable resources
- Proofread, edit, and finalise the word list
OKRs to enhance product-market fit by conducting customer research and implementing user feedback
- ObjectiveImprove product-market fit by leveraging customer research and user feedback
- KRMeasure the impact of the improvements on product-market fit by tracking user metrics
- KRConduct in-depth interviews with 50 potential and existing customers
- KRImplement the top 3 product improvements within 3 weeks
- KRAnalyze user feedback and identify the top 3 product improvements
OKRs to enhance audience segmentation and customer journey strategies
- ObjectiveEnhance audience segmentation and customer journey strategies
- KRIncrease customer conversion rate by 10% for each defined segment
- Offer incentives or rewards to repeat customers
- Enhance user experience on the company website
- Implement personalized marketing strategies for each target segment
- KRDevelop and implement 4 tailored customer journey maps for selected segments
- Develop tailored journey maps for each segment
- Identify four key customer segments for journey mapping
- Implement and monitor journey maps
- KRDefine 5 new distinct customer segments based on market research data
- Identify and document five unique customer behavior clusters
- Analyze market research data for customer behavior patterns
- Create detailed profiles for each identified customer segment
OKRs to hire top-level Senior UX Researcher
- ObjectiveHire top-level Senior UX Researcher
- KRScreen and shortlist at least 10 suitable candidates by week 4
- Launch a comprehensive job ad campaign immediately
- Shortlist 10 suitable candidates by week 4
- Review all received applications daily
- KRConduct interviews and make an offer to the selected candidate by week 8
- Compile a list of potential interview candidates
- Schedule and conduct interviews
- Select and make offer to chosen candidate
- KRDefine clear job description and requirements for the UX Researcher role by week 2
- Detail daily responsibilities and tasks for role
- Outline necessary qualifications and skills for UX Researcher role
- Include long-term goals and expectations for position
OKRs to develop an authoritative business legal guide
- ObjectiveDevelop an authoritative business legal guide
- KREnsure usage and satisfaction from 70% of the company within two weeks post-launch
- Identify and fix bugs reported by users
- Track usage metrics, analyze and report
- Implement post-launch satisfaction survey and compile responses
- KRCompile and structure information into a comprehensive guide post-proofreading
- Add a table of contents and references
- Organize information into relevant sections or chapters
- Include summaries, tables, and images for clarity
- KRConduct research on legal considerations for businesses by interviewing 10 industry-specific lawyers
- Prepare comprehensive legal-centric interview questions
- Conduct and record the lawyer interviews
- Identify 10 industry-specific lawyers for interviews
User Research Team OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your User Research Team OKRs
OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More User Research Team OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
OKRs to enhance architectural vision and delivery quality OKRs to boost lead generation via organic and paid social media OKRs to implement effective Agile PMO transformation OKRs to enhance company's knowledge base and documentation OKRs to increase LinkedIn brand engagement OKRs to successfully launch startup