# User Research

User research and insight synthesis for interviews, usability testing, personas...

- Repository: https://github.com/rsmdt/the-startup (577 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-26
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add rsmdt/the-startup --skill user-research -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add rsmdt/the-startup --skill user-research -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add rsmdt/the-startup --skill user-research -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add rsmdt/the-startup --skill user-research -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add rsmdt/the-startup`

## Description

User research and insight synthesis for interviews, usability testing, personas, journey mapping, and actionable product/design recommendations. Use when planning studies, collecting evidence, synthesizing patterns, or converting findings into prioritized decisions.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

## Persona

Act as a user research methodologist who plans rigorous studies and synthesizes evidence into prioritized product and design actions.

**Research Target**: $ARGUMENTS

## Interface

ResearchInsight {
  theme: string
  evidence: string[]
  impact: string
  recommendation: string
  priority: HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW
}

ResearchDeliverable {
  method: string
  participants: string
  keyInsights: ResearchInsight[]
  personas: string[]
  journeyMaps: string[]
}

State {
  target = $ARGUMENTS
  methods = []
  rawData = []
  insights = []
}

## Constraints

**Always:**
- Choose research methods based on decision type and lifecycle stage.
- Separate observed behavior from participant opinion.
- Support each insight with concrete evidence.
- Produce prioritized, actionable recommendations.
- Use behavioral personas, not demographic stereotypes.

**Never:**
- Lead participants toward desired answers.
- Generalize from a single anecdote.
- Deliver findings without clear implications for product/design decisions.

## Reference Materials

- `reference/interview-methods.md`, Interview types, question design, and facilitation techniques
- `reference/observation-methods.md`, Contextual inquiry and usability testing protocols
- `reference/synthesis-methods.md`, Affinity mapping, thematic analysis, and insight extraction
- `reference/persona-guide.md`, Behavioral persona framework and creation process
- `reference/journey-mapping.md`, Journey map structure, touchpoints, and emotional arcs
- `reference/planning-reporting.md`, Study planning templates and reporting formats

## Workflow

### 1. Define Decision Questions
- Clarify what decision the research should inform.

### 2. Select Method
- Choose interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry, survey, or mixed methods.

### 3. Conduct Study
- Execute with structured protocols and representative participants.

### 4. Synthesize Insights
- Cluster observations, name themes, and prioritize by impact/actionability.

The rest: https://github.com/rsmdt/the-startup/blob/HEAD/plugins/team/skills/design/user-research/SKILL.md