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tability.ioWhat are Researcher OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
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 Researcher 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.
Researcher OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Researcher. 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 hire top-level Senior UX Researcher
ObjectiveHire top-level Senior UX Researcher
KRScreen and shortlist at least 10 suitable candidates by week 4
Launch a comprehensive job ad campaign immediately- Shortlist 10 suitable candidates by week 4
- Review all received applications daily
- KRConduct interviews and make an offer to the selected candidate by week 8
- Compile a list of potential interview candidates
- Schedule and conduct interviews
- Select and make offer to chosen candidate
- KRDefine clear job description and requirements for the UX Researcher role by week 2
- Detail daily responsibilities and tasks for role
- Outline necessary qualifications and skills for UX Researcher role
- Include long-term goals and expectations for position
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%
- Review thoroughly to achieve a minimum score of 85%
- Register for a certified online course on copyright laws
- Dedicate regular study hours to comprehend course material effectively
- KRAttend 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops to deepen contextual understanding
- Attend and participate in all chosen activities
- Register for selected webinars or workshops
- Research and identify 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops
- KRApply learned theories by reviewing and updating 5 copyright agreements per week
- Review weekly assigned copyright agreements
- Submit revised agreements for approval
- Apply learned theories to update agreements
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
- Draft a dedicated 5-hour daily research schedule
- Regularly evaluate and adjust schedule for effectiveness
- Implement routine to follow the established research schedule
- KRSubmit two high-quality research pieces for publication review
- Conduct comprehensive research on chosen topics
- Submit papers for publication review
- Write and edit two research papers
- KRAttend at least 3 professional development workshops related to research methods or practices
- Ensure participation in each workshop attended
- Register for the chosen professional development workshops
- Identify suitable workshops focused on research methods
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
- Implement and refine intuitive controls based on user experience and usability testing
- Iterate on the game design based on user feedback and playtesting results
- Conduct user testing to identify any issues with the game controls
- Collaborate with an artist to create high-quality graphics for the game prototype
- KRConduct user research to identify target audience preferences and game themes
- Develop a survey to gather user feedback on preferred game themes
- Use findings to inform game theme selection and prioritize target audience preferences
- Conduct interviews with target audience members to understand their preferences
- Analyze 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
- Outline basic gameplay mechanics that will define the core experience of the game
- Create clear and specific objectives for each level, ensuring they align with gameplay mechanics
- Design a series of diverse levels that challenge and engage players
- Research 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
- Register for two chosen professional seminars or webinars
- Attend and actively participate in these webinars
- Research upcoming webinars focused on the agent's role in business
- KRConduct informational interviews with five business agents to gain first-hand information
- Schedule and conduct interviews with selected agents
- Identify five business agents relevant to the project
- Draft insightful questions to ask during interviews
- KRComplete three agent case studies with cross-industry analysis by quarter-end
- Identify three agent cases from diverse industries for study
- Compile findings and complete final report by quarter-end
- Perform 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
- Draft relevant interview questions tailored for each professional
- Identify three professionals in the royalties business field
- Schedule and conduct the three interviews
- KRRead and summarise 5 books related to business royalties
- Write a concise summary for each book
- Select and procure 5 relevant books about business royalties
- Carefully read and interpret each book
- KRDevelop and present a detailed report on the role of royalties in business
- Prepare a presentation highlighting report findings
- Research the significance and mechanism of royalties in business
- Compile gathered data into a comprehensive report
OKRs to develop a comprehensive monolingual dictionary
- ObjectiveDevelop a comprehensive monolingual dictionary
- KRImplement and test a user-friendly search and organization system
- Develop a prototype of the search and organization system
- Run usability tests with a sample of users
- Revise system based on user feedback
- KRGet a 90% positive feedback score from 100 beta users for the dictionary usability
- Implement real-time customer support to resolve user issues swiftly
- Conduct surveys to gain precise user feedback on dictionary usability
- Improve dictionary interface based on previous user testing feedback
- KRList out 10,000 words with detailed definitions and usage by end of the quarter
- Write detailed definitions and usage for each word
- Research and collect 10,000 words from reliable resources
- Proofread, edit, and finalise the word list
OKRs to integrate UX testing insights into decision-making
- ObjectiveImprove decision-making with UX testing insights
- KRIncrease user satisfaction rating by 10%
- KRTrain 3 non-UX team members on conducting and interpreting UX tests
- KRImplement changes based on user feedback in 100% of cases
- KRConduct 10 user tests for at least 2 features
OKRs to file patent for medical device and enhance prototype functionality
- ObjectiveFile patent for medical device and enhance prototype functionality
- KRThoroughly research patents in the related field to ensure uniqueness by end of Week 4
- Identify relevant fields for patent search
- Analyze findings for potential uniqueness conflicts
- Conduct comprehensive patent search through online databases
- KRImplement three major improvements in the prototype based on testing feedback by Week 12
- KRComplete drafting a unique and detailed patent application by Week 8
- Finalize application, including all diagrams and claims
- Write a comprehensive description of the invention
- Research and analyze existing patents relevant to the invention
OKRs to improve understanding of OKRs
- ObjectiveImprove understanding of OKRs
- KRRead at least two books or articles about OKRs to deepen understanding
- Research top books on OKRs and make a list of two to read
- Set aside dedicated time every week to read and focus on OKR materials
- Discuss key takeaways with colleagues or mentors to enhance comprehension
- Take notes while reading to summarize main concepts and ideas
- KRAttend a training session on OKRs to gain foundational knowledge
- Attend and actively participate in the OKR training session
- Prepare a notebook or document to take notes during the training session
- Research online for a reputable training session on OKRs
- Register for the chosen training session on OKRs
- KRCreate and successfully implement a personal OKR to apply knowledge gained
- KRDiscuss OKRs with at least three colleagues to gather different perspectives
- Engage actively in conversations with colleagues to understand their perspectives
- Take notes during discussions to capture different insights on OKRs
- Schedule a meeting with colleagues to discuss OKRs
- Prepare a list of questions to prompt discussion on OKRs
How to write your own Researcher 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.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe 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.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability 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.
Researcher 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
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your 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
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
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 Researcher OKRs
The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
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 Researcher OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to execute practical strategies to recover project delay
- OKRs to drive R2 million in monthly sales
- OKRs to enhance interaction and engagement on our social media platforms
- OKRs to enhance protection of vulnerable customers against fraud
- OKRs to enhance skills and knowledge as Scrum Master and Agile Coach
- OKRs to build a robust data pipeline utilizing existing tools