Create a centralized research library with Confluence databases
Research drives smarter decisions and better outcomes, but only when it’s easy to access and well-organized. When insights are scattered across tools, buried in files, or locked in hard-to-share documents, teams risk losing crucial information and valuable insights.
Confluence databases offer a better way to manage research. They’re designed to bring all your findings — user surveys, market insights, and competitive analysis — into one place so your team has the tools to organize, share, and act on the results.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Confluence databases to build a research library that keeps your data accessible, your team aligned, and your projects moving forward.
Databases structure and connect information to make cross-functional collaboration easy. Whether you’re gathering user feedback, tracking market trends, or analyzing survey results, they adapt to fit your team’s workflow. Customize fields to capture the details that matter, filter and sort entries to surface key insights, and create tailored views to meet specific needs.
1. Create your database
Setup is easy and customizable. With the research library template, you can get started quickly with premade fields and layouts. Or, create a custom database if your team has specific needs.
There are several ways to create your database:
- Use the Create button in the navigation menu.
- Click the + button in the content manager to add a database to an existing space.
- Type /database while editing a page to add one directly to your workflow.
This flexibility allows your database to fit seamlessly into your team’s workflow, making it simple to access and share research across projects. For instance, embedding your database on a product research page keeps survey results, competitor insights, and user feedback in one place for quick reference during team discussions.
2. Add fields to structure your data
Your research library relies on fields to organize and track information. By setting up fields that align with your team’s needs, you create a consistent framework that makes sorting, filtering, and managing data straightforward.
Here are key fields to include in your research library:
- Text field: Use this field to log customer or company names for quick reference, such as “Acme Corp” or “Jane Doe.”
- @user field: Identify the researchers associated with each entry.
- Tag fields: Categorize data with tags for attributes like company size (“Small Business,” “Enterprise”), research type (“Survey,” “Interview”), or status (“Complete,” “In Progress”).
- Page field: Link to related Confluence pages with detailed notes, such as interview transcripts, survey summaries, or supporting documentation.
- Page details field: Display metadata from linked pages, like the date last updated or the author.
These fields give your research library a clear structure, reducing confusion and enabling advanced filtering and sorting. For example, you can tag customer interviews with “Enterprise” and “Survey” to easily filter for feedback from larger companies.
Similarly, sorting competitive analysis entries by the “Last Updated” field ensures your team always references the most recent insights. This consistent, organized approach helps your team quickly find the data they need and turn it into actionable strategies.
3. Add and organize entries
Once your fields are set, start populating your database with entries. Each entry represents a specific research item, such as survey results, customer interviews, or competitive insights.
To create an entry, click + Add entry at the bottom of the database.
Fill in the fields with key details, such as the company name, researcher, and type of study. For instance, you might log an entry for a customer feedback survey, tag it with "Small Business" and "Customer Feedback," assign the lead researcher, and link to a Confluence page containing the survey report.
As you build entries, your research library transforms into a centralized resource that brings clarity and efficiency to your team’s workflows. The structured setup ensures that data isn’t just stored — it’s actionable. Whether analyzing trends or referencing specific studies, your team will have the right information at their fingertips to make strategic, informed decisions.
Best practices for using Confluence databases for research libraries
Unlock the full potential of Confluence databases with strategies that keep your research library organized, accessible, and easy to use. Make your research powerful by following these best practices:
Create pages directly from your database to streamline research
Confluence databases simplify the research process by allowing you to create Confluence pages directly from the database. The page is automatically populated with the field types from the database, so details like research type, participants, and key findings are always organized and consistent.
To set this up, use the Page Link Field and be sure to toggle “Page creation” to the “on” position. This feature lets you attach existing pages or create new ones directly from your database in just a few clicks. Select the field when configuring your database structure, or add it by clicking the + button on the right at the top of your database.
For example, after logging a database entry for a focus group, you can generate a Confluence page preloaded with all the relevant fields. This eliminates the need for manual re-entry, reduces formatting errors, and saves your team valuable time.
Embedding these pages in your research library keeps findings well-documented and easy to access. With everything centralized, your team can quickly reference past work and build on insights to drive future projects.
Customize views for different research types
Research projects vary widely, and Confluence databases let you tailor views to suit the needs of specific research types. With customizable layouts like table, board, or card views, you can organize and display data in ways that work best for your team.
For instance:
- Use a table view to organize survey results by participant demographics.
- Set up a Kanban-style board view to track the status of ongoing customer interviews.
- Create a card view to visually summarize insights from focus groups.
To save a view, first adjust the database’s layout, filters, and visible fields to suit your workflow. Then, open the view selection menu, select Add as a new view, and name it descriptively, like "Survey Tracker" or "Customer Calls." Then, click Save changes.
Custom views make it easy to present research in a format that’s clear and actionable. By tailoring views to your team’s specific needs, you eliminate unnecessary clutter and make it easier to focus on key insights rather than sifting through raw data.
