Research Project Compass: A Visual Framework for Strategic Research Planning

Research project planning skills are typically developed through experiential learning rather than systematic instruction. As a result, students struggle with the higher-order work of scoping projects, structuring inquiries, and translating ideas into tractable projects. Experienced researchers face analogous difficulties when conceptualizing new directions or managing execution of complex projects. Limitations aren’t in researcher ability, but the absence of structural frameworks to facilitate the processes involved in project planning and execution. Existing planning frameworks address isolated aspects of research design, yet no single tool integrates problem definition, hypothesis formation, methodological planning, validation criteria, and risk assessment in a format optimized for both initial planning and iterative refinement during execution.Here I present the Research Project Compass to address the structural gaps in how research projects are conceived, refined, communicated, and executed. The Compass is a single-page visual framework that externalizes research planning across seven interconnected spaces: Problem, Claim, Value, Execution, Validation, Strategy & Risk, and Constraints. Drawing on cognitive load theory, design thinking principles, and research on scientific reasoning, the framework reduces cognitive overhead while maintaining visibility of dependencies between project elements. Unlike static planning templates, the Compass functions as a living document that evolves with the research. It supports adaptive hypothesis refinement, maintains focus on core aims during execution, and enables earlier recognition of productive pivots versus unproductive drift. This manuscript presents the theoretical foundations of the Compass framework, explains design principles underlying each space and their logical connections, and provides implementation guidance alongside a visual template. The Compass is designed for use across research disciplines ranging from the sciences, engineering, and the humanities, and is anticipated to help researchers at all career stages.