Over time, user research became a core business function. But teams still face the challenge of operational chaos. There's high demand for high-quality research, but without a foundation, it leads to inefficient processes. And that's the challenge that ResearchOps solves. But what are Research Operations? Why is it important for evolving businesses?
What is ResearchOps?
ResearchOps, or ReOps (Research Operations), is the strategic discipline of building and maintaining the systems that empower user research. Rather than doing the research itself, it creates the support structure that enables researchers to do their jobs effectively. To understand what is ResearchOps, think of it as the central nervous system of a research team. This mechanism removes research friction to focus on understanding users.
How Does ResearchOps Work
Research Ops systematically addresses operational bottlenecks that slow down research processes. This service-oriented function supports researchers at every stage of a project.
These operations start with a standardized intake system for stakeholders to submit research requests. The ResearchOps team helps define the scope and allocates resources. One key area here is participant management. Instead of each researcher spending hours finding, screening and scheduling research participants, ResOps manages this function.
By handling administrative burdens, they can save researchers dozens of hours per project. ResearchOps manages logistics, ensures access to the right research tools and offers guidance on established research methods.
After data collection, the ResOps focus shifts to knowledge management, as ResearchOps is responsible for building and maintaining a research repository. In this centralized database, all findings, raw data and research insights are stored and made discoverable. This structure prevents insights from being lost and allows new projects to build upon previous work.
Key Functions of ResearchOps
ResearchOps spans the entire research lifecycle, with core functions that include improving efficiency and consistency. In a nutshell, functions include participant recruitment, maintaining research tools and establishing data governance and privacy protocols.
While developing a centralized knowledge management system, the overarching goal is to standardize repetitive tasks and build a stable platform for executing all research projects.
ResearchOps and Atomic Research
Just like with Atomic Design Systems, Atomic Research breaks down research insights into their smallest, evidence-backed components. For an atomic system to function, it requires an infrastructure for storing and retrieving these "small nuggets" of insight.
That's when ResearchOps' efficient repositories ensure the necessary metadata standards are met. Teams can ensure that each atomic insight is discoverable, accessible, and usable for User Researchers, UX Designers, and Product Managers.
ResearchOps vs UX Research
UX research investigates user behavior and motivations. With several methods, UX researchers design studies, collect data, and analyze it. ResearchOps, on the other hand, is the enabler. ResOps typically do not conduct research, but create the conditions for research to be conducted as effectively as possible. If a UX researcher is a surgeon, ResearchOps is the entire hospital system. As they're distinct yet symbiotic disciplines, one cannot function at scale without the other.
The 3 Pillars of ResearchOps
ResearchOps People and Governance
As people are essential for research operations, this pillar focuses on the human element. It defined roles and responsibilities, fostering collaborative practices and a sense of belonging.
This edge builds the environment in which researchers can strengthen their collective capabilities. Examples include onboarding new team members, ongoing training and mentorship, and guaranteeing robust support networks.
ResearchOps Processes and Practices
The process pillar is dedicated to standardizing research practices. With strong ethical protocols for participant engagement and data privacy, the processes pillar manages from intake and prioritization to insight delivery.
By systematizing workflows, every research project reaches the same high quality, regardless of who leads it. Examples of tasks here include templates for research plans and interview scripts, as well as guidelines for research methods like usability testing.
ResearchOps Tools and Infrastructure
ResearchOps initiatives require a well-thought-out digital workspace to operate efficiently. This pillar includes the oversight of the techs and resources that support research activities.
Here, ResearchOps professionals procure and manage the suite of research tools. They ensure teams are trained on the selected tools and manage vendor relationships.
The goal is to provide researchers with a comprehensive toolkit that boosts productivity and work quality. Tools range from recruitment platforms to testing and data analysis software.
How to Build A ResearchOps Framework
Creating an effective ResearchOps framework typically entails three key steps.
First, assess existing practices and their maturity level to identify gaps for improvement. Next, establish clear objectives and develop a proper strategy to align efforts. Finally, build a comprehensive plan on existing achievements to ensure continuous improvement.
It's crucial first to recognize the challenges you face before establishing your strategy. Also, a ResearchOps program is largely influenced by the company's growth stage and size.
If you're leading a young startup, your ResearchOps should focus on setting your target users and confirming Product-Market Fit. For a growing enterprise, ResOps initiatives should prioritize expanding research capabilities and improving infrastructure.
Why Consider ResearchOps For Your Company
User Experience has become a critical differentiator for SaaS businesses. In fact, reports show that those who integrate research into strategies achieve up to 2.7 times better results. ResearchOps is a strategic investment for tangible business value.
By optimizing the research process, organizations can conduct more research in less time, enabling quicker, data-driven decision cycles. As companies expand, it becomes more challenging for individual team members to manage their own processes. With its scope, ResOps enables research to scale effectively. This centralized structure can support larger teams while upholding high-quality standards.
Conclusion
ResearchOps can transform user research from a scattered activity into a strategic asset. With Res Ops, user-centricity is deep in your business and your product's DNA. At Capicua, Growth Partner, we embed Shaped Clarity™ across stages to build the operational systems that enable products to succeed. Get in touch!
