Effective planning of research in UX design is crucial because it helps to foster independent thinking and reduce bias. When research is well-planned, it establishes a clear framework that encourages designers and researchers to approach problems with an open mind, rather than being swayed by personal preferences or preconceived notions. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of user needs and behaviors, ultimately leading to more empathetic and user-centered design solutions.
By minimizing bias, researchers can ensure that their findings more accurately reflect the users' experiences and requirements, rather than reflecting the designers' assumptions or expectations. This enhances the quality of insights gathered, resulting in designs that truly resonate with users and fulfill their needs, which is a core objective of the UX design process.
The other options do not align with the best practices in UX research planning. For instance, validating all ideas isn't feasible or practical, and reducing user involvement would compromise the user-centered nature of UX design. Additionally, creating a rigid structure contradicts the necessity for adaptability in research methods, which can be essential to accommodate new findings and insights throughout the design process.