5 Step Research Road Map Guide

For research to be impactful, effective, and actually drive change, one thing I’ve learned from my experience as a UX researcher is this: your roadmap needs to align with both your product and business teams’ goals.

But let’s be honest — between stack ranks, endless line items, and jargon flying around especially if you work in FinTech (like me), it’s easy to get lost in the chaos.

So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bring some clarity to the mess. Think of it as a friendly, no-fluff walkthrough for planning what your year in research could look like.

So, what is a research roadmap?

It’s a strategic plan that outlines what research will be done, why, for whom, and when — not just for one project, but across a quarter, half-year, or more. Think of it as a bird’s-eye view that starts 30,000 feet up but can zoom into a 10-foot lens when needed. It’s your north star!