> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start

> Launch your first Research Desk project in under an hour with this step-by-step checklist.

This checklist walks you from account login through a validated soft launch. Follow each step in order before sending live supplier traffic.

<Tip>
  The Notion support site includes an [interactive Arcade walkthrough](https://app.arcade.software/share/collections/DUCy6ETST0xj7U4YmylG). Use it alongside this guide for a visual tour of the UI.
</Tip>

## Before you begin

Confirm you have:

* A Research Desk account — see [Account Access](/research-desk/getting-started/01-account-access)
* A programmed survey URL with `[%RDUD%]` and redirects configured — see [Entry Links and Redirects](/research-desk/guides/04-entry-links-and-redirects)
* Target completes, LOI, incidence, country, and language
* Quota breakdown (even if approximate for soft launch)

## Step 1: Create a project

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search for duplicates">
    Use the search bar with **All Statuses** selected to confirm the project does not already exist.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click New Project">
    Enter project name, project number (internal reference), project manager, and out-of-field date/time. Adjust timezone if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Your project appears in the project list. Assign the correct account if you belong to multiple organizations.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Details: [Creating Projects](/research-desk/guides/01-creating-projects)

## Step 2: Create a survey

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click New Survey">
    Customize the survey name if the project has multiple countries or waves.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the survey URL">
    Must start with `https://` and include `[%RDUD%]`. Program all four redirect outcomes in your survey platform.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter specs">
    Set target N, LOI, incidence, country, language, device compatibility, and sell price (client CPI). Mark PII if applicable.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save as Draft">
    Leave in Draft until redirects are validated.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Details: [Creating Surveys](/research-desk/guides/02-creating-surveys)

## Step 3: Test redirects

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Test Survey in incognito">
    Right-click **Test Survey** and open in an incognito/private window.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete both paths">
    Walk through a **complete** and a **terminate** path.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm end page">
    Each path should land on the Research Desk confirmation end page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Details: [Platform Redirect Guides](/research-desk/guides/18-platform-redirect-guides)

## Step 4: Buy Sample (Internal source)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Buy Sample">
    Confirm survey IR and LOI are accurate — incorrect specs affect CPI and may pause traffic.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the source">
    Use a descriptive name (US GenPop, Females 18–24, etc.) and set respondent target.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure qualifications and quotas">
    Add targeting on the left; set quota targets on the right by N, percentage, or Remaining N.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose calculation type and pacing">
    For soft launch, consider **Survey Starts** on high-IR studies. Set [Traffic Controls](/research-desk/guides/15-traffic-controls) if you need paced fielding.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Details: [Configuring Sources](/research-desk/guides/03-configuring-sources)

## Step 5: Soft launch (\~10%)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set quotas to ~10% of target">
    Launch the source to Live (or [schedule launch](/research-desk/guides/14-scheduled-launch) for a future time).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor performance indicators">
    Watch the traffic-light indicator on Projects and Surveys. Yellow or red means IR/LOI/CPI may need adjustment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review results">
    Check quota fills, Defender terms, abandons, and over-quotas. Request [data cleaning](/research-desk/support/data-cleaning) on soft-launch completes if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Expand to full launch">
    Increase quotas and CPI as needed, then scale traffic.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Details: [Best Practices](/research-desk/guides/08-best-practices) · [Managing Fieldwork](/research-desk/guides/05-managing-fieldwork)

## Step 6: Close out

When fieldwork ends:

1. Set survey status to **Complete**
2. [Reconcile](/research-desk/guides/07-reconciliation) completes during the reconciliation window
3. Export [traffic reports](/research-desk/guides/12-exporting-and-reporting) and cost summaries
4. Submit [data cleaning](/research-desk/support/data-cleaning) if needed (up to 3 requests per project)

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Best Practices" icon="bullseye" href="/research-desk/guides/08-best-practices">
    CPI, quota balancing, and troubleshooting slow traffic.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/research-desk/support/troubleshooting">
    Diagnose abandons, Defender terms, and performance issues.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Glossary" icon="book" href="/research-desk/support/glossary">
    Key terms used across Research Desk.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Support" icon="life-ring" href="/research-desk/support/contact-support">
    Live chat, in-app form, or researchdesk.com/support.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>