What should research goals in a research plan clarify?

Research goals in a research plan are crucial because they clarify what problems the design aims to solve. This understanding forms the foundation of the UX design process, guiding researchers and designers in their efforts to address user needs effectively. By pinpointing specific problems, the research can remain focused and targeted, ensuring that the insights gathered will directly inform the design decisions.

The clarity of research goals helps in formulating questions and methodologies that are aligned with the intended outcomes, enhancing the overall quality and relevance of the research findings. A well-defined problem statement makes it easier for the design team to empathize with users, iterate on solutions, and ultimately create user-centric designs that address real-world issues.

In contrast, focusing on technologies, product distribution methods, or marketing strategies does not directly pertain to understanding and solving user problems, which is the core aim of user-centered design. These aspects can be important in a broader project context, but they do not define the primary objective of the research plan itself.