Our methods
We are experienced with a large number of methods, from interviewing and observation to cultural probes and design documentaries. The choice for certain methods in a specific study is dependent on both the topic (What do we want to find out?) and the circumstances of the field work (Where does the action take place? How many people are involved? What are they doing? How private is it?). Each engagement requires its own combination of methods. But they all share the common goal of gaining deep customer insights and finding new product and service opportunities.
As we keep in close contact with the client team throughout the entire process, we exchange considerable knowledge about the rationale for our methodology and how we conduct the research. In this way your team gradually builds up more knowledge and understanding of design research too.
Project Flow
We developed a work process of three stages: Immersions, Insights and Ideas.
1. Immersion in the field usually entails visiting people in their own environment, relevant to the topic of the study (i.e., home, school, work, during transport). Often people from the client team join us.
2. Insight creation includes clustering and mapping of research materials, analysis of emerging themes, and identification of problem areas and opportunity spaces. This results in a framework of understanding that serves as a key future reference for the client. Workshops with the client help us to develop this framework.
3. Idea generation happens in workshops with a multi-disciplinary client team. Using the framework from the previous stage, we brainstorm on potential responses to the identified problems and opportunities. Through iterations we filter and model until we find the strongest ideas that are most important to you, our client.
Our process is more iterative than linear. Insights and ideas inevitably come up during fieldwork. We document them and use them immediately during the fieldwork, if we can, to get quick responses and get a conversation going from an early stage.
