Research Sprint
Compiling or conducting research on a specific question in learning science, experience design, or competitive analysis.
Embedded Files
In a Nutshell
GOAL/ To use academic, ethnographic, competitive, or mixed-methods research to answer a pressing question.
TIME/ 1 month, on average, though timing varies widely.
OUTPUT/ Most research projects culminate in a white paper, but findings may also be communicated in other formats (from short strategy memos to live seminars to academic publications).
GOAL/
Our team adopts a focused approach to address pedagogical and business questions through brief, agile research sprints. After centering on a key research question, we leverage various research methods such as academic review, ethnographic research, or competitive analysis based on your specific questions. Our collaborative process ensures alignment on scope and methodology, delivering timely and targeted insights. Before moving forward with an in-depth research sprint, we ask two key questions:
1/ Is this a research topic that would impact and benefit multiple edX partners?
2/ Is this topic an opportunity for thought-leadership and in-depth research?
TIME/
1/ Kick-Off
DURATION: 1 WEEK
If there is a topic that you believe may benefit from in-depth research, please submit a project request.
Our first step when engaging in a research project is always to get clear on the exact research question being asked. Clarifying your starting research question(s) helps our team to identify the research methods best suited to generating an answer to your question: academic review, ethnographic research, competitive analysis, or our favorite -- some combination thereof.
2/ Refining
DURATION: 1-2 WEEKS
A member of our team may follow up with you directly to clarify scope and align on a methodological approach before formally engaging in work. This phase of work often involves identifying key collaborators, establishing a desired output and timeline, and marshaling additional data and resources as needed.
3/ Research
DURATION: 2-3 WEEKS
Our team employs a dynamic mix of academic, ethnographic, and competitive research methods to address the specific research questions identified early in the process. Whether crafting a comprehensive white paper or conveying findings through shorter strategy memos, live seminars, or academic publications, our approach is flexible, adapting to the project to ensure effective communication of valuable insights.
OUTPUT/
Our research output is typically a white paper, though the format may also vary depending on the nature of the research itself: ranging from a short strategy memo to an ethnographic field report to a persona deck to an interactive database of tailored recommendations designed to flex to your use case.
OUTPUT EXAMPLES/ Please note: Most links will be restricted to 2U / edX employees due to partner confidentiality. These are designated with an asterisk (*).
Publicly Available White Papers
Ethnographic research compilation.*
Detailed insights from users and collaborators on an internal process pilot.
Persona research deck.*
Use of AI in K-12 Education. Focus on K-12 educators for a high profile, AI-focused open course certificate
Competitive research report.*
Focused on the cloud computing landscape.
NEXT STEPS/
Sound about right?
Not exactly right?
Have other questions?
Report abuse