BackgroundThe Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been received considerable attention internationally.MethodsThe Convention’s main arguments are conceptually analyzed. Implications for the development of research designs are elaborated upon.ResultsThe Convention entails both a human rights and a sociopolitical dimension. Advancing a relational notion of disability, it enters a rather foreign terrain to medical sciences. Research designs have to be changed accordingly.ConclusionResearch designs in accordance with the CRPD should employ and further develop context-sensitive research strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex designs that allow for a relational analysis of personalized effects have to be established and evaluated, thereby systematically integrating qualitative methods.