Get Tability: OKRs that don't suck | Learn more →

10 OKR examples for Research & Development Team

Write perfect OKRs with Tability AI – try it free with 5k credits

Use Tability to generate OKRs and initiatives in seconds.

tability.io

What are Research & Development Team OKRs?

The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Research & Development Team to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Research & Development Team OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Research & Development Team. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to elevate productivity in academic research

  • ObjectiveElevate productivity in academic research
  • KRImplement and maintain a research schedule, ensuring minimum 5 hours of effective work daily
  • TaskDraft a dedicated 5-hour daily research schedule
  • TaskRegularly evaluate and adjust schedule for effectiveness
  • TaskImplement routine to follow the established research schedule
  • KRSubmit two high-quality research pieces for publication review
  • TaskConduct comprehensive research on chosen topics
  • TaskSubmit papers for publication review
  • TaskWrite and edit two research papers
  • KRAttend at least 3 professional development workshops related to research methods or practices
  • TaskEnsure participation in each workshop attended
  • TaskRegister for the chosen professional development workshops
  • TaskIdentify suitable workshops focused on research methods

OKRs to hire top-level Senior UX Researcher

  • ObjectiveHire top-level Senior UX Researcher
  • KRScreen and shortlist at least 10 suitable candidates by week 4
  • TaskLaunch a comprehensive job ad campaign immediately
  • TaskShortlist 10 suitable candidates by week 4
  • TaskReview all received applications daily
  • KRConduct interviews and make an offer to the selected candidate by week 8
  • TaskCompile a list of potential interview candidates
  • TaskSchedule and conduct interviews
  • TaskSelect and make offer to chosen candidate
  • KRDefine clear job description and requirements for the UX Researcher role by week 2
  • TaskDetail daily responsibilities and tasks for role
  • TaskOutline necessary qualifications and skills for UX Researcher role
  • TaskInclude long-term goals and expectations for position

OKRs to enhance knowledge and understanding through qualitative research

  • ObjectiveEnhance knowledge and understanding through qualitative research
  • KRReview and analyze 10 relevant scholarly articles per week
  • TaskSystematically read and make notes on each article
  • TaskAnalyze each article's content, context, and conclusions
  • TaskSelect 10 scholarly articles related to the research topic
  • KRConduct 3 interviews with industry experts
  • TaskIdentify and reach out to three industry experts for interviews
  • TaskPrepare comprehensive interview questions relevant to their expertise
  • TaskSchedule and conduct the three interviews
  • KRSubmit one comprehensive research report for peer review
  • TaskConduct thorough research on chosen topic
  • TaskWrite comprehensive report incorporating research
  • TaskSubmit report for peer review

OKRs to develop innovative pharmaceutical products

  • ObjectiveDevelop innovative pharmaceutical products
  • KRDevelop and test 2 prototypes with satisfactory patient outcomes
  • TaskConduct patient outcome tests on prototypes
  • TaskIdentify key components for prototype based on patient needs
  • TaskBuild and refine two prototype designs
  • KRConduct research to identify 3 potential active pharmaceutical ingredients
  • TaskIdentify key drugs suitable for pharmaceutical component research
  • TaskConduct thorough research on potential active ingredients
  • TaskDocument findings for each potential ingredient
  • KRSecure regulatory approval for 1 new pharmaceutical product
  • TaskRespond promptly to regulatory feedback and additional information requests
  • TaskConduct rigorous clinical trials for safety and efficacy
  • TaskDevelop and submit detailed dossier to regulatory authority

OKRs to secure local channels and gain market insights

  • ObjectiveSecure local channels and gain market insights
  • KRConduct regular market research to gather local market data and information
  • TaskConduct surveys or interviews to gather insights and preferences of local customers
  • TaskIdentify key competitors and their market share in the local market
  • TaskMonitor industry trends and analyze data to identify emerging opportunities in the local market
  • KREstablish partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance channel security
  • TaskCollaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for enhancing channel security
  • TaskIdentify key local stakeholders with expertise in channel security
  • TaskInitiate meetings with stakeholders to discuss potential partnership opportunities
  • KRIncrease security measures on local channels to reduce unauthorized access
  • TaskImplement two-factor authentication for all user accounts on local channels
  • TaskConduct regular security audits and penetration testing on local channels to identify and resolve vulnerabilities
  • TaskRegularly update and patch software on local channels to address security vulnerabilities
  • KRImplement data analytics tools to analyze market trends and consumer behavior
  • TaskTrain and educate the team on how to effectively use the selected data analytics tools
  • TaskResearch and compare various data analytics tools available in the market
  • TaskDetermine key metrics and indicators to track market trends and consumer behavior

OKRs to enhance product-market fit by conducting customer research and implementing user feedback

  • ObjectiveImprove product-market fit by leveraging customer research and user feedback
  • KRMeasure the impact of the improvements on product-market fit by tracking user metrics
  • KRConduct in-depth interviews with 50 potential and existing customers
  • KRImplement the top 3 product improvements within 3 weeks
  • KRAnalyze user feedback and identify the top 3 product improvements

OKRs to enhance understanding and application of copyright laws

  • ObjectiveEnhance understanding and application of copyright laws
  • KRComplete a certified online course on copyright laws by securing at least 85%
  • TaskReview thoroughly to achieve a minimum score of 85%
  • TaskRegister for a certified online course on copyright laws
  • TaskDedicate regular study hours to comprehend course material effectively
  • KRAttend 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops to deepen contextual understanding
  • TaskAttend and participate in all chosen activities
  • TaskRegister for selected webinars or workshops
  • TaskResearch and identify 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops
  • KRApply learned theories by reviewing and updating 5 copyright agreements per week
  • TaskReview weekly assigned copyright agreements
  • TaskSubmit revised agreements for approval
  • TaskApply learned theories to update agreements

OKRs to develop a compelling game that engages and captivates players

  • ObjectiveDevelop a compelling game that engages and captivates players
  • KRDevelop a functional prototype of the game with polished graphics and intuitive controls
  • TaskImplement and refine intuitive controls based on user experience and usability testing
  • TaskIterate on the game design based on user feedback and playtesting results
  • TaskConduct user testing to identify any issues with the game controls
  • TaskCollaborate with an artist to create high-quality graphics for the game prototype
  • KRConduct user research to identify target audience preferences and game themes
  • TaskDevelop a survey to gather user feedback on preferred game themes
  • TaskUse findings to inform game theme selection and prioritize target audience preferences
  • TaskConduct interviews with target audience members to understand their preferences
  • TaskAnalyze user research data to identify common themes and preferences
  • KRConduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback and iterate on the game design
  • KRCreate a detailed game design document outlining gameplay mechanics, levels, and objectives
  • TaskOutline basic gameplay mechanics that will define the core experience of the game
  • TaskCreate clear and specific objectives for each level, ensuring they align with gameplay mechanics
  • TaskDesign a series of diverse levels that challenge and engage players
  • TaskResearch popular gameplay mechanics, level design techniques, and objective structures

OKRs to broaden understanding of agent's role in business operations

  • ObjectiveBroaden understanding of agent's role in business operations
  • KRAttend two professional seminars or webinars focused on the agent's role in the business
  • TaskRegister for two chosen professional seminars or webinars
  • TaskAttend and actively participate in these webinars
  • TaskResearch upcoming webinars focused on the agent's role in business
  • KRConduct informational interviews with five business agents to gain first-hand information
  • TaskSchedule and conduct interviews with selected agents
  • TaskIdentify five business agents relevant to the project
  • TaskDraft insightful questions to ask during interviews
  • KRComplete three agent case studies with cross-industry analysis by quarter-end
  • TaskIdentify three agent cases from diverse industries for study
  • TaskCompile findings and complete final report by quarter-end
  • TaskPerform a detailed cross-industry analysis on chosen case studies

OKRs to enhance understanding of royalty structures in business contexts

  • ObjectiveEnhance understanding of royalty structures in business contexts
  • KRInterview 3 professionals in the field of royalties in businesses
  • TaskDraft relevant interview questions tailored for each professional
  • TaskIdentify three professionals in the royalties business field
  • TaskSchedule and conduct the three interviews
  • KRRead and summarise 5 books related to business royalties
  • TaskWrite a concise summary for each book
  • TaskSelect and procure 5 relevant books about business royalties
  • TaskCarefully read and interpret each book
  • KRDevelop and present a detailed report on the role of royalties in business
  • TaskPrepare a presentation highlighting report findings
  • TaskResearch the significance and mechanism of royalties in business
  • TaskCompile gathered data into a comprehensive report

How to write your own Research & Development Team OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Research & Development Team OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Research & Development Team OKRs

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Research & Development Team OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Table of contents