Creately Template Roundup: July Week 3

In our last week’s roundup post, we shared several templates specifically designed to help project managers streamline their project workflows.

This week, we are focusing on templates for UX designers, product managers, project managers, and HR professionals. These templates will help them with planning, mapping, managing, and executing various tasks.

Check out our diagram community for more industry-specific templates and examples to support your day-to-day tasks.

This week’s templates include:

• UX research plan template
• Skip-level 1:1 template
• User story map
• Stakeholder management template
• Project canvas template

UX Research Plan Template

The UX research plan template is typically used for user experience (UX) and user research. It helps structure and plan research activities effectively, ensuring a user-centered approach in product development. This template further helps with defining research objectives, identifying target users, selecting appropriate research methods, and creating a timeline for the research process.

Here’s how to use the UX research plan template:

1. Objective setting: Clearly define the research goals and objectives. Identify what insights you seek to gain from the research and how it aligns with the product development process.
2. Participant identification: Identify the target audience and user groups for the research. Determine specific user personas or characteristics that will be included in the study.
3. Method selection: Choose proper research methodologies and techniques that align with the research objectives. Common methods include interviews, surveys, usability testing, and observation.
4. Timeline and schedule: Create a timeline that outlines the research activities and milestones. Allocate sufficient time for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
5. Resources and logistics: List the resources needed for the research, such as tools, equipment, and participant incentives. Make sure logistics, such as participant recruitment and research environment, are well-organized.

_{Click on the image to edit the UX Research Plan Template}

Skip-Level 1:1 Template

The skip-level 1:1 template is used by managers, team leads, or executives when conducting skip-level meetings. In these meetings, the manager meets directly with employees who are not their direct reports but work in different hierarchical levels within the organization.

This template facilitates effective communication and creates a safe space for direct reports to share feedback and ideas to improve the organization. It allows managers to gain unfiltered insights into the team dynamics and identify areas for growth and development.

5 simple steps to use the skip-level 1:1 template:

1. Plan the meeting: Prepare a meeting agenda with topics you want to discuss, like team performance or challenges.
2. Be friendly and open: Create a welcoming atmosphere to make direct reports comfortable sharing their thoughts.
3. Ask questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. For example, “How do you think we can improve?” or “What challenges do you face?”
4. Listen actively: Pay attention to what they say, don’t interrupt, and show empathy for their concerns.
5. Take action: Based on their feedback, create an action plan to address issues and make positive changes.

_{Click on the image to edit the Skip Level 1:1 Template}

User Story Map

The user story map template is an essential tool for UX designers involved in Agile product development. It allows UX designers to collaborate with cross-functional teams in visualizing and prioritizing user stories in a structured manner.

This template organizes user stories based on user needs and goals, providing a comprehensive overview of the product’s features and functionalities. With itUX designers can ensure a user-centric approach to design, aligning with user requirements and improving the overall user experience.

5 simple steps to use the user story map template:

• Identify user goals: Begin by understanding the goals of the target users. Identify what problems they want to solve and the outcomes they expect from the product.
• List user stories: Create a list of user stories that address each user goal. Each user story should represent a specific functionality or feature that fulfills a user’s need.
• Arrange user stories: Organize the user stories in a logical sequence based on user workflow. This helps create a flow that aligns with the user’s journey through the product.
• Prioritize and slice: Prioritize the user stories based on importance and impact. Divide larger user stories into smaller, manageable “slices” to facilitate iterative development.
• Build the roadmap: Use the user story map to build a product roadmap. This roadmap will help guide the development process, ensuring that the team delivers value to users at every step

_{Click on the image to edit the User Story Map}

Stakeholder Management Template

The stakeholder management template is useful for project managers to effectively manage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. It helps with identifying and analyzing stakeholders involved in the project, understanding their interests, and building strong relationships.

By using this template, project managers can ensure open communication, address concerns, and secure stakeholders’ support, ultimately leading to project success.

Here’s how to use the stakeholder management template:

1. Stakeholder identification: Begin by identifying all stakeholders involved in the project or initiative. List both internal and external stakeholders, including individuals, groups, or organizations impacted by or impacting the project.
2. Stakeholder analysis: Analyze each stakeholder’s interests, needs, and expectations. Identify their level of influence and potential impact on the project. This analysis helps prioritize stakeholders and tailor communication strategies accordingly.
3. Engagement plan: Develop a stakeholder engagement plan based on the analysis. Define the frequency and mode of communication with each stakeholder, outlining the key messages and desired outcomes.
4. Mitigating concerns: Address any potential conflicts or concerns that may arise during the project. Plan strategies to manage stakeholders’ conflicting interests and ensure their support throughout the project lifecycle.
5. Continuous monitoring: Regularly review and update the stakeholder management template throughout the project. Monitor stakeholder dynamics, adapt engagement strategies as needed, and proactively address any emerging issues.
6. Capture action items: At the end of the meeting, document any action items or follow-up tasks that arise from the discussion. Assign responsibilities and deadlines to ensure progress after the meeting.

_{Click on the image to edit the Stakeholder Management Template}

Project Canvas Template

The project canvas template is a powerful tool for project management and planning. This template provides a high-level overview of a project, capturing essential details and aligning team members on project goals. It is a concise and visual way to communicate project essentials, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards a common objective.

5 simple steps to use the project canvas template:

1. Project purpose: Define the purpose and vision of the project. Clearly state the problem the project aims to solve or the opportunity it aims to capture.
2. Key deliverables: Identify and list the primary deliverables the project will produce. These could be products, services, or outcomes that add value to stakeholders.
3. Project scope: Define the boundaries of the project scope. Clarify what is included and what is not included in the project to prevent scope creep.
4. Target users and stakeholders: Identify the target users or customers who will benefit from the project’s outcomes. Additionally, list the key stakeholders who will be impacted or have an interest in the project.
5. Success criteria and risks: Set clear success criteria to measure the project’s performance. Define what success looks like and the metrics to evaluate progress. Also, identify potential risks that could impact the project and plan risk mitigation strategies.

_{Click on the image to edit the Project Canvas Template}