Research synthesis brief
Synthesize research into traceable patterns that acknowledge contradictions and support a real decision.
UX research and audits · 45 min · Advanced · 25 questions
Evidence model
Which studies belong in the synthesis?
When was each source study conducted?
Which method did each source study use?
Who participated in each source study?
Which product version did each study cover?
Which raw research material is available?
Evidence units
What should count as one piece of evidence?
Can a quote count as evidence without its surrounding context?
When should a participant case remain intact?
Coding
Which themes or labels are known before synthesis begins?
How will new themes or labels be added?
What makes evidence belong under a theme or label?
How will reviewers compare how they labeled the evidence?
How must research evidence be protected?
Patterns and contradictions
Which patterns are supported by the evidence?
Which evidence contradicts the leading interpretation?
Which patterns differ by segment?
Do different research methods point to different conclusions?
Confidence
Does the sample fit the decision we need to make?
Is the evidence recent enough for the decision?
Which patterns appear across more than one source?
How could researcher bias affect the interpretation?
Which missing evidence limits confidence?
Decisions
What decision follows from each supported insight?
Which insights do not require action now?
How to use this brief
Use this brief as a bank of questions for the conversation. Choose what is relevant, mark covered questions as you go, and skip anything that has already been answered.
Use this brief when...
Use when you need to synthesize research into traceable patterns that acknowledge contradictions and support a real decision.
Best used as: Research plan
- Category
- UX research and audits
- Discussion time
- 45 minutes
- Depth
- Advanced
- Last updated
- Jul 21, 2026
- Scope
- Design briefs
- Best used as
- Research plan
- Design roles
- UX researcherProduct designer
- Audience
- UX and UI designersProduct designersProduct managersDesign leads
- Platforms
- ResearchWebMobile
- Company type
- B2BB2CEnterprise
- Product stage
- DiscoveryGrowthMature product
- Tags
- ux-research-and-auditsresearch-synthesisresearch-and-evaluationmulti-study-synthesisresearch-repository