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Expert-Developed Companion Resources

Designed to pair with
Design Research Mastery

 

Build momentum behind your work.
Explore 25+ free resources to help you gain buy-in and deliver actionable, inspiring outcomes.

Put Design Research Mastery into Action

Download these free companion tools and templates created by Sara Fortier, to help you apply what you’ve learned in real projects.
Chapter 2

Design Maturity Guide

Plan how to help your organization build a strategic, human-centred approach, through a clear design maturity assessment.

Chapter 3

Empathy Mapping Template

Follow this exercise to uncover users’ needs and goals, then refine your personas with deeper empathy and clarity.

Chapter 3

Design Research ROI Examples

Strengthen your business case for conducting research with stats and studies on UX ROI, risk reduction and measurable market impact.

Chapter 4

DRM 50+ Methods & Tools

Quickly map 50+ research methods across five design stages to select the right approach for any project.

Chapter 5

DRM Project Kick-Off Checklist

Run a seamless kick-off meeting with a clear agenda and key discussion points that align all stakeholders from the start.

Chapter 5

Sample DRM Project Timelines

Use 8-, 12-, or 16-week templates to plan, scope, and manage your next research initiative with confidence and alignment.

Chapter 5

Risk Mitigation Guide & Workbook

Identify potential challenges early and take concrete steps to reduce risks, using sample scenarios and guided prompts.

Chapter 5

Sample Weekly Status Report

Build trust and keep stakeholders informed with clear, professional reports, outlining progress, priorities, and blockers.

Chapter 6

DRM 50+ Methods & Tools

Maps 50+ research methods to five design stages so you can quickly select the right approach for your project.

Chapter 6

DRM Research Planning Checklist & Workbook

Define your project scope, goals, key questions and schedule, using a structured workbook that keeps planning on track.

Chapter 6

Data Triangulation & Saturation Slides

Educate stakeholders on the core principles that prove the strength and reliability of your qualitative research.

Chapter 7

Data Triangulation & Saturation Slides

Educate stakeholders on the core principles that prove the strength and reliability of your qualitative research.

Chapter 7

Recruiting Criteria Spreadsheet & Template

Segment your target audience and manage recruitment goals with customizable sample criteria.

Chapter 7

DRM Participant Tracker

Track participants against criteria to ensure your recruitment meets segmentation and data saturation requirements.

Chapter 7

DRM Sample Screening Questionnaire

Craft your own screeners and recruit the right users, with the right questions, using this example as a guide. 

Chapter 7

5 Copy-and-Paste Recruiting Scripts

Save time with ready-to-send scripts for phone, email, and social media outreach to secure quality participants fast.

Chapter 7

Participant Consent Types & Samples

Explore six categories of participant consent, with a sample form and oral statement to guide ethical, compliant research. 

Chapter 7

DRM Recruiting Workbook

Work step-by-step through recruiting essentials — from methods and user groups to scheduling and logistics.

Chapter 7

Participant Incentives Guide

Budget your incentives effectively with guidance on payment factors, ranges, and structure options.

Chapter 7

Participant Privacy & Data Storage

Protect participant data with privacy best practices, and clear steps for secure storage and using coding keys.

Chapter 8

Participant Consent Types & Samples

Explore six categories of participant consent, with a sample form and oral statement to guide ethical, compliant research

Chapter 8

Sample Interview Script & Protocol

A sample guide for conducting effective interviews with an intro, consent script, and sample questions.

Chapter 8

50 Ready-to-Use Interview Questions

Access 50 polished interview questions to drive meaningful conversations and gather actionable insights.

Chapter 8

DRM Interview Planning Workbook

DRM Interview Planning Workbook
Plan and refine your interviews with guided prompts that help you prepare, practice, and improve.

Chapter 9

Observations "What to Bring" Checklist

Stay organized on observation days with a detailed list of tools and materials you’ll need.

Chapter 9

DRM Sample Field Kit

Follow a structured guide with practical prompts to plan, conduct and document user observations.

Chapter 10

DRM Sample Diary Study

Run a 10-day diary study using ready-made daily questions and photo prompts to capture rich insights.

Chapter 10

DRM Diary Study Checklist & Workbook

Prepare and execute your diary study smoothly with a checklist that covers each essential step.

Chapter 10

Participant Incentives Guide

Budget your incentives effectively with guidance on payment factors, ranges, and structure options.

Chapter 11

Empathy Mapping Template

Follow this exercise to uncover users’ needs and goals, then refine your personas with deeper empathy and clarity

Chapter 11

The Rules of Brainstorming

Run productive, focused workshops with smart brainstorming rules that foster collaboration and keep ideas moving seamlessly. 

Get a Free Sample Chapter of the DRM Book

Chapter 12: Making Sense of Data 

How to analyze research rigorously and turn data into meaningful insights

(Spoiler: AI can’t do everything for you here.)

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There’s more where this magic comes from in Design Research Mastery

 

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